802. Never Expect anything in Life, Work on Attitude to be Happy!

Last week a young boy of 18 came to my factory asking if there is any vacancy. As always we were short of helpers and were in need of them. This boy had not even finished higher secondary, had worked in farm in his village Mandya, Karnataka. Our factory is purely mechanical and the automatic machines were alien to the boy, hence we were reluctant to enrol him as helper. However he had left his village and had to get a job, he insisted we give him the job. We asked him to work for a week so that we will know if he will be suitable for our factory.

For a few seconds the boy remained silent and then he gathered strength to ask what the salary we would give him was? I told him to work for a week and we would give him the basic salary and after a week we will decide if he can continue to work in the factory. Then I asked him what kind of salary would make him happy? He remained silent again. There is nothing wrong in him to ask us about the salary we are going to pay him. The standard of living in Bangalore city is unimaginable. The rent rates are high and the daily commodities prices are always on the higher side. It is understood that the boy could decide if he can stay in the city by knowing the pay scale. But then from my side I had to know how he works as he does not have primary experience in the factory work.

Expectations are sometimes a negative force which pulls me towards desire. If ultimately it is happiness in life I am looking at, I need to have limited expectations. The quality of work I do will get me better remuneration is what I feel. A person who has skilled work in hand can survive in any city and Mumbai is an apt example. There are many like the young boy who came to city from villages and work in hotels and factories and now own a factory or hotel in a matter of few years. How is it possible???

Life has made me realise that happiness is just a difference between what I expect and the reality of the outcome of my expectations. If my expectations exceed beyond the reality then I am happy. That is when I desire less than I deserve I am happy if I desire more than I deserve I am unhappy. It is this simple formula which is true to everyone including that young boy.

It is my subconscious mind which manages my happiness whether I want it to or not. Can I change my subconscious mind to increase my happiness?  It is near impossible to do so when I am conscious, it will never work that way. I have to control things which I can lay my hand on. First of all I have to work on my attitude. It is my attitude which plays a major role in accepting the reality and making my mind understand that no matter what happens nothing is permanent. Attitude will take my desires to a higher altitude and cause my little expectations to transit to higher level. If at all if that young boy had shown interest in knowing the kind of job rather than knowing what the salary was, I think he would have gone on to be a big industrialist.

801. What are Samskaras? Can I detect and get out if not good??

What are Samskaras? Can I detect and get out if not good???

My mind works at three levels. The moment I am out of my bed I am awake to the soundings, this level is Conscious level. In this level my Conscious Mind is supported by “Medha Shakti” (Intelligence) an aspect of Buddhi (Intellect). Medha Shakti helps me comprehend the working pattern of the happening in the world outside. Conscious mind is an objective mind. There is another level which I may not be aware of its working, but it plays an important role. This level is called Sub-Conscious Mind. It is the store house of memories of uncountable past lives. In Vedanta it is called Chitta. Sub-Conscious Mind is a subjective mind.   

Apart from these two levels there is one more level, which is called Super-Conscious Mind. In Vedanta it is called Karana Chitta. In this level I am not only awake but also aware. In this level my Conscious Mind is supported by “Dhi Shakti” (Intuition). This Super-Conscious Mind is the aspect of Universal Consciousness which is infinite. The Super-Conscious Mind is like a mega computer that interface with smaller computer connected to it and operate them.

The moment I consciously perceive something with the help of my senses there is a resonating effect on my Sub-Conscious Mind. This resonating effect produces thoughts which are called Vrittis. These vrittis are generated not only on the recently posted information but could be from the past experiences. Just like as in a computer where I feed in information from the input-output devices and the working of the system depend not just on the latest added input, but all the previous stored up signals as well, so does thoughts in me get projected using the cognized object and the memories related to it stored in Sub Conscious mind.

Vritti create a ruffle for some time and then it sink down deep into the region of the Sub-Conscious Mind and continues to remain in a dormant state. A conscious action whether cognitive, effective or co-active is required to simulate the hidden form just below the threshold of my Consciousness. This action is termed a Samskaras (Impressions).

Samskaras are subtle imprints that are glued on to my memory whenever I perform any action consciously. Hence they say memory is like a small kid walking by the sea shore no one know which pebble it lifts from the sand and keeps it in the treasure called Samskaras. Memories are not impressions; instead they are formed from impressions just like a photograph is developed from a negative. Generally, I retain memories only from recent impressions, but then I do have countless Samskaras from many, many lives. Many of these Samskaras do not have memories associated with them. To be clear, the Samskaras from many, many past life affect me but I am unable to recollect the cause of it and hence do not comprehend why I am affected by it.

Samskaras may be powerful but can be countered and to counter them with an appropriate one I need to have an Achala Sankalpa (Strong Intent). As there is a network of events happening in destiny, so does that strong intention sets things in motion. The nature, people and events respond to my strong intention in many forms to provide enough “hints” to go beyond my comfort level and act as needed to make the change.

Firstly, I need to become aware of my Samskaras and know whether they are good or bad. My attitude is the indicator, if it is not sensitive and is not in agreement with myself and other I have to change it. Awareness of this will slow down my Conscious Mind so I can lengthen the pause between my impulse and my action which provides me ample time to reflect. If I rush through life too fast it becomes a heap of vague impression without details and it is here I lose my sensitivity....... Am I right???

800. Why is Vedanta Hard to Comprehend for Some Seekers???

In this modern world everything has to be instant in a zippy, unfortunately knowledge gaining has fallen into this category. Due to this practice there is no patience, and the tolerance level is nil. Whatever information we are to access has to be spread out on the table, everything has to be at the tip of the fingers. Knowledge that is gained in this era is merely that which is spoon fed by others. Knowing what others have pass on without analyzing it will never be called knowledge.

Knowledge that is necessary to earn our daily bread may not need analyzing. All one has to do is follow the seniors and do what is told and sometime accept that which has followed since long without asking any questions. But if one has to gain the knowledge of Vedanta, he has to take the right approach to learning and understanding it. To understand Vedanta mere listening or studying will not help one has to follow the three main steps of learning process. Sravanam (Listening), Mananam (Contemplation), and Nidhidhyasanam (Practice).

Sravanam is the intake of knowledge and the first step in the learning process. To gain knowledge from Vedanta, it is vital that we expose ourselves regularly to the information either by reading books or listening to discourse on Vedanta. This is a vital step and is like feeding our mind with thoughts. But mere listening to discourse or reading books is of no use if one does not digest the information and at times excessive reading or too many discourses may create confusion. Therefore the next stage is important to gain intellectual insight by reflecting upon the subject and this is Mananam. An individual exhaustive analysis has to be done on all that is listened and studied and thus a philosophical perceptive has to be arrived at with the truths that have been imparted in the way of knowledge by the masters. Nothing has to be taken without personal valuation. Even in Bhagavad-Gita Lord Krishna advices Arjuna at the end of the sermon to consider it only after having an intellectual insight on what has been said.

Next after reflecting those which are read or heard it become mandatory to get absorbed into oneself and become one with what has been taken as knowledge. The knowledge has to sink from the conscious level to deeper levels of self. In the deeper level the unconscious is activated and helps in putting the gained knowledge into practice. This is self-absorption and this process is called Nidhidhyasanam. Useful knowledge is that which we are able to utilize in our daily lives. Having an immense knowledge without proper usage will be like a load of scared books on the back of a donkey. In that sense it is better to have a little knowledge that is used.

The enthusiasm to gain knowledge has to be from inside it is the higher desire that sprouts from constant willingness to improve and excel as a human being. Our potential is underestimated it is vast all we have to do is to tap it at the right time. Seeking knowledge is not hard or a waste of time, it is like having an inner friend with whom you can have a constant talk.

Knowledge is our best and eternal friend.

799. Mature Mind is as Important as a Mature Body ...............

In general if a person respond to an event or an incidence in a most responsible and adaptable manner he is considered to be a mature individual. The maturity of an individual that is visible through bodily growth does not account him to be matured unless he is mature in mind. Yes, scientifically one is matured when he or she reaches the age of puberty but then it is hard to know if they have mentally matured.

What is being mentally matured???

Maturity is a complicated notion it modifies too often for those who are adaptive and at the same time remains the same for those who are less adaptive and cognizant of the circumstantial changes. There are times when we have thought that we are mature enough to take decisions and at times found that our decisions were wrong. If one thinks deep there are so many times that our decisions have gone wrong and we have repented that the decision we took was not correct.

If we were matured then, why did our decision go wrong in the first place???

Answer is very simple; we were not matured enough for the decision at that particular time, and were not aware of the matter at that point in time. And after our decision failed to yield the required results and if we are in a position to adapt to the changes, we are now more matured than what we were at the time of taking the decision. Right???

Unfortunately our misconception is that maturity grows by age but in reality maturity comes with experience. There was a belief in ancient times that the elderly person was more matured than the young, but now the scenario is that young are regarded more matured than the elders since they are acquainted to the world more. The more exposure to the world could get them more information but for a person to be matured he has to get it by experience. Hence in olden days the young King had an able minister who was old and experienced man.

Having said that, if maturity is got from experience is it right to say learn from the mistake and thus become more mature???

Life is indeed very short and we cannot afford to learn from the mistake committed by us so it is wise to become more mature by learning from the mistakes other people make also. When a person with burned fingers say that fire burn your fingers, it is wise to heed his advice not to find out really if that happens. We have not that much time and in fact there are so many sources to get experience and become matured by reading and knowing from good books.

Our ancient thought is that of a Rishi who would have documented the words of wise and poured out his experience in the way of scriptures. These scriptures do not only talk of Absolute and the cosmos but also gives us the knowledge on how to live a Blissful life. Complete maturity is something that is an unachievable concept. As maturity is experience oriented growth it is an infinite phenomenon, hence it is incomplete. For a person in material world it is an impossible task, but if one is on spiritual track this is something that can be defined. 

Our Upanishads proclaims, “Brahmavid Brahamaiva Bhavati” the knower of Brahman becomes Brahman himself. A person who has experienced Brahman is a completely matured one. 

798. Do the Duty Wholeheartedly remain Unattached to its Results.

Jnana, the knowledge according to spiritual terms signifies becoming aware of the Absolute Truth of the Cosmic Self that remains hidden behind the veil of Ignorance. This realization confers spiritual liberation to the Jivatma from the show business of its mind. This vast universe is limited when compared to the infinitude of the Absolute Truth. All that a Jivatma acquire including the Senses, Mind, Intellect, etc., are subject to limited functioning within the confines of this universe. Even the scriptures like Vedas and Upanishads fall short when attempting to describe the transcendental nature of that Absolute Truth. Upanishads states that Absolute Truth is all encompassing, totality and personification of Bliss and can be discovered only by piercing the veil of Ignorance enveloping it. Once this is done all bondages fall off.

What is that which does not let us to penetrate the veil of Ignorance?

The main cause for bondage is the sense of agency that attaches itself to an individual’s actions and experiences. The thoughts of “Karthritva Bhava”-- I am the doer and “Bhogtritva Bhava”-- I am the experiencer, are the basic bonds limiting the individual and leading to further bondage. Our mind is responsible for this constrained vision of life. “Nirliptha Bhava” -- being unattached to the actions and its results will help. When one performs actions with such a dispassionate attitude, he develops non-attachment (Vairagya) which then would lead to Knowledge (Jnana) and subsequently to Liberation (Moksha).

A Jivatma obtains human birth for fulfillment of desires and when desires do not subdue in this life the bondage of several births continues. Thus the Jivatma gets deep-rooted in worldly concerns with a sense of possessiveness; it forgets its connection with Absolute Truth. It develops likes and dislikes towards objects and people that inspire one’s actions and then the chain of actions have to be met in due course. It is becomes hard to renounce these wrong notions and misconceptions which tie us down to worldly life.

Sense of possessiveness to worldly objects has to shed so that the bondage is annihilated. Upanishads advice that what one should cling to is one’s own self. Valour lies in the ability to stress on spiritual goal. If one is not ready for liberation as yet if the spiritual leanings are more defined in the present birth, it is likely that he is born in better circumstances and gets the opportunity to become a realised soul in gradual phases.

797. A Thought which has the potential to make Life Meaningful!!!

Life is like a river which has started at the source called birth and flows without stop to end up merging into ocean called death. Life has to go on with smooth flow without any hindrance at the middle; if indeed there are some obstructions at some point of time it makes the individual feel that life is worthless. If these emotions keep surfacing frequently it gives rise to the wish to end the life.     

The thought to end life is an evident fact for the temperament of an individual to keep only useful things which are worth keeping and discarding those which are not worth. As it is quite natural to discard which is of no use individual tends to destroy rather than save it. With a little bit of courage he ultimately takes a drastic step to end his life which he feels is not worthy at all to live.

Are there any standards to make an individual feel that his life is worthy to live? 

Many find life to be worthy if they amass wealth, but we have seen even wealthy people have ended their lives. Some feel life is enchanting when people around praise them, but even with this many were not satisfied and ended their lives. Could knowledgeable and being scholarly help? No, we have seen many professors and scientist also have ended their lives.

These kind of thoughts that could be worthy for life are attributes which are just illusion, they never make us understand what the true meaningful life is. If life was indeed meaningful with all these attributes, then great scholars, wealthy icons, famous personalities, able leaders and influential people would not be been dejected, disappointed and unhappy to end their life abruptly.

Then what is it that can make life meaningful and worthy enough to live?

When one thinks deep he can grasp that his individual Soul is a part of this vast manifested universe filled with Cosmic Energy. His soul which dwells inside his body is continually aligned with the Cosmic Energy that is pervading the entire universe. Those who have understood this appreciate the gesture of dissolving their selfish interests in the vast interest of the universe. When this attitude prevails then they are never disappointed or felt worthless. 

Just as the river merges into the ocean and becomes meaningful, similarly individual also by breaking away from the clutches of his self styled Ego, can merge into the Cosmic Energy and become meaningful. Then the question of thinking about ending the life abruptly does not rise at all. It is natural for those who do not believe as being a part of this vast Cosmic Energy to feel hopeless and sad when they are depressed. This feeling triggers an impulsive action to end life abruptly.

What is this belief of being a part of Cosmic Energy and reuniting with it?

The mere thought that the individual Self has a source, which it has to reunite at the end, is called Mumukshattva. If the meaning of life is to return to the source it is to achieve Moksha or Nirvana. Hence it is the knowledge of this union with the Absolute at the end, the one which makes the life meaningful.

796. Lead a Happy Life, No need of Report Card from Others.....

Life is a happy and wonderful journey to travel. While threading this journey of life many want to prove their capabilities. They slog till the fag end days of their life to make others believe that they are living a happy life. It becomes so important for them to get an appreciation from others that they have lived a life of worth. They want themselves to be recognized as worth in so many crores before they leave this earth plane, it is their life ambition. They sacrifices their passion, interest and ultimately become a money minting machine. They always expect triumphs in life they cannot stand turbulence, they get rattled if they have to face one. They cannot tolerate if any of their colleagues or friend do better than them. Instead of joining the celebrations they are busy cursing their fate and destiny for not giving that chance to them. 

And there is another set of people who have understood that life is to be happy and enjoy every event irrespective of triumphs and turbulence. And more importantly it is to be lived for self and not to make others feel that we are leading a happy life. They are happy for their colleagues or friend if they grow big, they have this magnanimity to appreciate their success and be a part of the celebration.

There is a vast difference between these two ways of leading life. While one set of people live life thinking to be happy instead of expecting others to give them a report card of their life, unfortunately another set are happy just to hear from others that they are happy and toiling the whole life expecting an “A” class certificate from others.

Is it the way to lead a life? This is a living of False Prestige. 

If one does things even if he does not like, just because others like him doing it is called False Prestige. If one values false prestige more, even nature does not give him a helping hand. A close example for it which I can provide is this: Suppose I create a blog and write something interesting and informative. Someone comments that the blog is good and they give a pat on my back for what is being written in the blog. Inspired I write some more blogs and comments start to flow into the blogs praising the ability. After some time even if there is nothing for me to write, I am forces to write just because others like my blog. I keep writing even though it is not up to the mark, deep inside me in my heart I know it. It is then a small frustration builds as I unable to create a blog daily but have to satisfy my readers and one or other day it has to explode and it will explode. Instead I have to understand that I can write only to satisfy myself and with the only intention that the thought in me has to reach others. And if my intention in writing the blog is not to make my readers feel that I am a great writer or so and pat my back, then without my conscious there is a continuous flow of creativity in me which even I cannot stop.

You need to be happy with what you do now and also in future and have to focus on what has to be done to achieve that, rather than get to know what others feel and wait for them to give a thumbs up or a certificate for what I have done. After all what counts at the end is our standard of life not our standard of living, not our seeming greatness but our simple goodness.

795. No one is Perfect, but no Harm in thriving to be one!!!!!

No one is perfect is solace statement for me to check my judgemental attitude. The same phrase cannot and should not be used by me to justify my careless mistakes. Perfection cannot be achieved as no one can reach that dominion, but there is scope for me to at least crawl forward towards it. My expectation in others to be perfect is as hard as others finding that virtue in me. But then there is no rule of uniformity here I can always excel towards perfection.

If I feels that as no one is perfect on this earth plane it is not a serious issue to thread towards perfection then I would be harbors a “Chalta Hai” attitude.  Can I jump a traffic signal because everyone is? Why shouldn't I? Chalta hai. Can I litter the road because some idiot does? Why shouldn't I? Chalta hai. This attitude does not only pull me down but it instigates others around me to follow suit. Socrates says, “Do not do unto others what you do not want others do unto you” so until I am perfect I cannot expect other also to be perfect.  I had this habit of branding people by observing their character and categorizing them. I never released the reason for others around me to be behaving so could be correct from their point of view. And so also in their point of view there might be flaw in my behavior towards them also. Over the years I have understood that the best relationship I can have is when I understand to live with people as they are and at the same time improvise on my good qualities.  

It was a dense forest and cold waves tightened its grip leaving many animals, birds, and reptiles shivering and desperately hoping for a respite. Many animals could not survive the cold wave and were frozen to death. A group of Hedgehogs in a barrow were also feeling the brunt. Realizing that the situation was indeed very bad and could turn even worst, the head of the herd gave a call to all the members to stay together. The head of the herd felt that the warmth in the each hedgehog would save if they cuddle into each other. This was the only way to keep warm and protected themselves. Unfortunately the quills of each hedgehog wounded its closest companion even though they gave off warmth of survival to each other.

Unable to take the pricks they decided to distance themselves one from the other. Soon they began to die one after the other as they were left alone and were freezing. Ultimately they had to choose either to cuddle accepting the pricks from the quills of their companions and survive or stay away from one another and disappear from this Earth plane. Sensibly they decided to cuddle into one another. This way they learned to live without minding the little wounds caused by the quills of the close companion, but the most important part of it was the warmth they got from others which mattered most at the time when cold waves were threatening to wipe them off.

794. Resources both Natural & Material got to be used Efficiently

Once in an ashram the Master was in deep contemplation on how the virtues could be incorporated into human beings so that it can help them live in harmony. Just then one of his Disciples arrived and said humbly “Master! Every moment in your life you are concerned about others, but I have failed to understand why you don’t think of the wellness of your own disciples.”

Master: “Let me know what you need.”

Disciple: “My garb is worn out and is unfit to wear. Can I have a new one, please?”

Master noticed that the robe of the disciple was in bad condition and it had to be replaced. A new robe was provided and the disciple thanked the master and retired to his room. Some days later the disciple was wearing the new robe and the Master asked him “Are you comfortable with your new attire?”

Disciple: “Attire is indeed very comfortable. Thank you.”

Master: “Now that you have the new one, what have you done to old attire?”

Disciple: “Now it is my bed spread.”

Master: “So, have you disposed off your old bed spread.”

Disciple: “No, Master. Old bedspread is my window curtain now.”

Master: “Disposed your old Curtain?”

Disciple: “using it in the kitchen to handle hot pot.”

Master: “Good… what is the fate of the old cloth you used in kitchen earlier?”

Disciple: “I am using it to mop the floor.”

Master smiled in contentment and left.

This conversation might look crazy but if we are not in to that extent of using, at least we can attempt to find the best use of all our resources at home and in office. We would be saving a lot. A thing save is equal to two produced. At least if we are not willing to use the old we can donate it to the needy. The culture of hoarding the old unused goods in the store is not wise. What is waste for us is raw material for many. Nothing is branded as waste everything has its own usage.

We many not find it of use any more but it will definitely be of use elsewhere. This earth plane has bestowed to us the resources both natural and material and it has to be utilized carefully and efficiently. Earth, Nature and its Resources are only on loan from future generation to existing generation and it is the responsibility of this generation to hand it over to future generation without reducing its value or assets. Apart from wasted time everything can be recycled. Recycling is a little effort which has a huge difference to our Environment………… Do you also think so???

793. Life is an Extravaganza to Worry about Small Things…...!

There are many little things that happen in our lives which need not be given much priority. All events that happen favourable or otherwise, has to pass on. Nothing is to stay for long, many people worry too much about the little things in life. “Is it worth to cry over spilled milk”? Milk that is spilled accidentally cannot be regained and in this phrase the spilled milk is referred to small things which cannot be regained. Most importantly brooding over it gets us nothing at all but increases our anxiety.   

An individual who is threading the spiritual path will definitely understand that an unfortunate event that has unfolded cannot be set right and only solace is that we can get a good experience from it. One who gets anxious and agitated over little things in life needs to review why they act the way they do. The worries of spilled milk will rapture the creativity in us.

Recently I heard a story about a famous poet and writer who wrote several heart touching poems and articles. He was once interviewed by a T.V reporter who asked him about the driving force which made him much more creative than the average person. What is it that has placed him far apart from others? The writer responded, it all came from an experience with my mother when I was about two years old. I tried to remove milk container from the refrigerator I lost the grip on the slippery container and it fell on the floor spilling its contents all over the kitchen floor!

My mother came into the kitchen hearing the sound instead of yelling at me she said, “What have you done dear, did the container slip out of your hand? I have rarely seen such a huge puddle of milk. Well now the damage is done. Would you like to get down and play in the milk for a sometime before we both clean it up?”

Indeed, I did play with the spilled milk for some time. After a few minutes, my mother said, “You know whenever you make a mess like this, eventually you have to clean it up and restore everything in proper order. So, how would you like to do that? We could use a sponge, a towel, or a mop. Which do you prefer?” I chose the sponge and together I and my mother cleaned up the spilled milk.

My mother then said, “You know this has been a failed experiment in how to effectively carry a big milk container with your two tiny hands. Let’s go out in the back yard and fill the container with water and see if you can discover a way to carry it without dropping it.” And that is how I learned that if I can grasp the container at the top near the lip with both hands, I can carry it without dropping it. What a wonderful lesson my mother taught me that day. Even today I have made it a habit not to cry over unfavourable events that have unfolded, instead I have tried to understand how the next time I can avoid such things from happening.

That was an invaluable lesson the writers mother taught him there is no use crying over spilt milk and he was blessed to have her as his mother. Mothers are first and best teachers……What say????

792. World is a Mirror; you are looking at your own reflections.!

The world around me is like the mirror what I offer gets reflected back to me. If my gesture towards it is good I receive the same. 

A father tried to explain this phenomenon taking his son up on a hill. He asked him to use wonderful word and the words returned back as an echo. Father pointed out that whatever is given will come back in the same proportion. Life is simply a reflection of your own thought, word and deed. If you want compassion and love in the world you have to create compassion and likewise if you want more competence from the people around improve on your competence. This is how the relationships work on everything and everywhere in life.

Life is one thing which will return to me what I have given. What I see in the world around, is to some extent of what lies within me. I laugh the world laughs along with me, if I cry and the world will cry along provided I had laughed when it had laughed. Some say it is inevitable to get soiled with lust, avarice, jealousy, greed and many other inferior gunas while I stay on this earth plane. Agreed that one get soiled that does not mean one has to be immersed in the filth always. To get cleaned of these soiled materials I need to be spiritually awakened.

Once a pious man, after his family responsibilities got over decided to undertake a great penance. He went to the nearby forest and sat in the seat of silence under a tree. He sat there contemplating on the Truth. Years passed by and creepers and shrubs started growing around him and made him hardly visible to the outside world.

One night in the pitch of darkness a robber came running that way chased by the villagers who had seen him trying to break into a house. The robber tripped on the pious man. He looked at him and thought, “Maybe he is definitely a robber like me. The villagers might have caught him in the act and have trashed him black and blue and left him here to die. These villagers are dangerous people they will kill me also I have to get away as soon as possible.”

Few days later one evening when the stars started to appear in the sky a drunkard who was already hitting high under the influence of alcohol lost his way and entered the forest. He had a look at the pious man and started laughing and shouted, “Oh Oh this man has to be strong like me in mind and body to be able to withstand the influence of liquor. No wonder a man of this stature will not be able to be steady and will pass out so quickly.”

Then after few more nights, an enlightened soul happened to pass that way he could sense the divine radiance protruding from the pious man who was seated in the seat of silence. The look of serenity, contentedness and satisfaction writ on his face, there was a peaceful aura surrounding the place and the enlightened soul immediately realized that this person was not an ordinary being. He stopped to pay his respects to this person and prostrated before him with great humility and respect. The pious man now opened his eyes and seeks the blessings of the enlightened soul who blessed him with his full heart.

There is no difference in the world there is indeed difference in the way you look at it. You see good you will find good you see filth you find filth.

791. Are we Consuming the Pleasure or is Pleasure Consuming us???

Pleasure is all we desire for, comfort for the senses and body. To experience pleasure is the ultimate and even scriptures accept it by saying “individual is cluster of desires.” An person who has mind and memory will definitely have desire. This thesis is explained excellently in puranas. Maha Vishnu is addressed as “Chitta Vallabha” (beloved of chitta) Lakshmi is Chitta Chanchale (wandering memory). Memory (Chitta) is the field where the seeds of Desire (Kama) are sown, harvest and reaped. Hence Desire (Kama) is considered the product of the union of Maha Vishnu who is Manas and Maha Lakshmi, the memory. In Srimad Bhagavatam Praduymna, the son of Lord Krishna is Kamadeva born to Rukmani.

Amazingly we have too many desires and we are after too many pleasures we neither have time nor the resources to enjoy all of them. From the stories of Panchatantra and Hitopadesha to our modern day movies try to convey this message. We presume that if we have enough money we can pursue all desire and experience pleasure but those pleasure are always eluding our pursuit and are so innumerable that they never gets sated.  For instance, if I desire to consume “gol gappa” I can consume only limited quantity that my stomach permits but my taste buds does not have limit neither does the stall which sells them.

Now I have started to think deeply; are we after pleasure or is pleasure after us? We are in an illusion that we are consuming pleasure but when we are closing the accounts we will be shocked to know that the pleasures have consumed us. A person may be after buying properties over properties but one day the same earth is going to devour him at the end. We assume that to enjoy pleasures coming our way we need money, so take loan and to pay back loan we work hard devoting more time on work so less time for family and friends. And finally one day we realize we can't consume pleasures any more as our body is unyielding to experience that pleasure, but the pleasures are still there!

Here we come to understand that we did not consume pleasures, instead they consumed us. Where does this pleasure seeking drive come from? According to neuroscientists the cause for the expectations of pleasure in us is due to DOPAMINE, the neurotransmitter which transmits signals between nerve cells. The dopamine level has to be in a balance it should not be too high or too low. If it is on the higher side one becomes Rajasic and when it becomes too low one tend to be Tamasic.

Rajasic person leads to the life of sensual enjoyment, pleasure and pain, effort and restlessness. People in whom Rajasic qualities predominate tend to be egoistic, ambitious, aggressive, proud, and competitive and have a tendency to control others. They work hard and like status, prestige, and power and are perfectionists. They suffer from a fear of failure, tend to be angry and jealous and to have few moments of joy. Tamasic person leads a life of dominated by depression, laziness, excessive sleep, eating, drinking. They may be greedy, possessive, attached, irritable, and uncaring toward others. Too much Rajasic or Tamasic distort the natural balance of the mind and have a negative impact on life.

Food we eat has a direct impact on the dopamine level and it is important to strike a balance by taking proper food which is neither Rajasic nor Tamasic. Sattvic food might help as there is a connection between what we eat and how we behave; as our levels of violence, crime, and depression depend on the food also.

Unfortunately the pleasure is experienced in eating Rajasic and Tamasic food since we have identified the experience of pleasure in them. How should we tackle this syndrome? Simple one need to understand that he is the knower, not the known and the seer, not the seen, by just realizing the true nature of the Self one can transcend beyond the consumption identity to experience the eternal BLISS.

790. Some are Inevitable while Some are Optional to Choose from…!

MUD is Inevitable, but LOTUS is Optional

1. Setbacks are inevitable, but staying back is optional. 

2. Falling down is inevitable, but getting up is optional. 

3. Bad times are inevitable, but bad attitudes are optional. 

4. Rain is inevitable, but getting wet is optional. 

5. Taxes are inevitable, but philanthropy is optional. 

6. Hard times are inevitable, but taking it serious is optional. 

7. Death is inevitable, but creating a legacy is optional. 

8. Losing some battles is inevitable, but holding on to winning attitude is optional. 

9. Failures are inevitable, but quitting is optional. 

10. Doubt is inevitable, but confidence is optional. 

11. Ageing is inevitable, but maturity is optional. 

12. Arguments are inevitable, but harmony is optional. 

13. Temptation is inevitable, but rectitude is optional. 

14. Jealousy is inevitable, but trust is optional. 

15. Love is inevitable, but being unconditional is optional. 

16. Chaos is inevitable, but being calm is optional. 

17. Need is inevitable, but greed is optional. 

18. Weakness inevitable, but strength is optional. 

19. Choice is inevitable, but decision is optional. 

20. Confusion is inevitable, but tranquillity is optional. 

21. Pressure is inevitable, but resistance is optional. 

22. End is inevitable, but starting a new beginning is optional. 

23. Competition is inevitable, but winning it is optional. 

24. Reality is inevitable, but visualization is optional. 

25. Adversity is inevitable, but glory is optional. 

26. Triumphs are inevitable, but humility is optional. 

27. Darkness is inevitable, but getting afraid is optional. 

28. Fear is inevitable, but courage is optional. 

29. Self-doubt is inevitable, but taking charge is optional. 

30. Acceptance is inevitable, but seeking beauty is optional. 

31. Questions are inevitable, but finding answers is optional. 

32. Being adamant is inevitable, but being stubborn is optional. 

33. Ignorance is inevitable, but knowledge is optional. 

34. Taking is inevitable, but giving is optional. 

35. Association is inevitable, but making friends is optional. 

36. Inspiration is inevitable, but getting motivated is optional. 

37. Getting up morning is inevitable, but being truly awake is optional. 

38. Sleeping is inevitable, but charging up is optional. 

39. Spending is inevitable, but investing is optional. 

40. Work is inevitable, but doing it with perfection is optional. 

41. Running of Time is inevitable, but using it for purpose is optional. 

42. Ambition is inevitable, but achievement is optional. 

43. Music is inevitable, but singing is optional. 

45. Violence is inevitable, but peace is optional. 

46. Frowning is inevitable, but smiling is optional. 

47. Getting exhausted is inevitable, but enjoying it is optional. 

48. Change is inevitable, but progress is optional. 

49. Income is inevitable, but taking bribe is optional. 

50. Life is inevitable, but living meaningfully is optional.

789. Talking has to be a means of Communication not Torture!!!!

Talk is a way of expressing your feelings to other. Talk helps convey your intent and get other persons consent. Your talk has to be meaningful, truthful, pleasant and beneficial. Talking is an art it is never to be taken light. If one is not capable of talking properly it is better for him to remain silent and avoid catastrophe. 

Does talking cause harm?? No, it is not talking that cause harm it is the way of putting it which needs greater skill. You have to be conscious and alert while talking and anticipate and be aware of the consequences that may unfold. There are unwanted talks which might sometimes put you in trouble. The most common among them is talking under the influence of emotion. Intellect (Buddhi) is veiled when you are carried away by emotions (Bhava paravasha). There is no leash to control the tongue hence wrong and improper words shoot out. You may later on feel sorry for uttering those words, but they are already out and done a lot of damage. 

Another unfortunate way of using your talk is to argue. An argument pushes you from the height. Ego pours in the necessary fuel for the argument. Sometimes a casual discussion can lead to arguments, you have experienced even in spiritual forums also. You have to keep in mind that it is a silly argument that causes a dent in serious relationship. If you respect the relationship more you will never argue even if you are right. Likewise if you intend to thread spiritual path, please avoid arguments it does help a lot. 

More often out of excitement you need a person to talk and pour out all that you have in your mind and heart. So you choose a person with whom you may talk endlessly and the excitement in you make you so preoccupied that you fail to ask the person if he has time to listen to your talk or even if he is interested or not in your talks. You have to talk to a person and pause for few seconds let him respond to your talk, it is a way of getting his opinion also. 

A lot of trouble in the world would disappear if people talk to each other instead of talking “about” each other. Talking to each other is a means of communication while talking “about” each other is gossiping. Gossiping happens when in group and only if there is no important work. If you value your inner Self and perceive all as equal, you must have to avoid such groups. Gossiping about others get you nothing at all expect waste of your valuable energy and time. 

How to avoid all these unwanted talks??? 

Remain SILENT as silence is GOLD. 

By remaining silent the quantity of talking reduces and at the same time quality of talk will improve.

  

How to remain SILENT???

Remaining silent does not mean holding back what needs to be expressed.....if I do that I am a selfish hypocrite ...........what say???

788. First ever Eye Donor recorded in the History!!!!!!

Prayer to Absolute is not something that comes by preaching, or teaching, or when just some slokas or mantras uttered. It is the immense connection that one realises when he gets aligned to Him. When this alignment takes place every word that comes out of the mouth becomes a prayer. We have heard the story of Moses and the shepherd where according to Moses there are a set of procedures while praying to Absolute which are called rituals, while for the shepherd the natural way he talks to Absolute is itself prayer. Natural prayer springs out of an attentive mind. 

It so happened in a forest a hunter by name Thimma could not catch anything for few days. His wife and kids were starving as they depended on what he hunted. The third as evening was approaching and he had not been successful, out of frustration he spoke to the Shiva Linga in an old temple and made a promise that he would offer half of what he catches the next day and went home.

Miraculously the next day at noon he spotted a rabbit and he shot an arrow at it. Since he had made a promise before the Shiva Linga he had to offer half. Innocently he left half of the rabbit meat on a leaf in front of the Shiva Linga and went home. The next day morning the priest of the temple arrived and saw the meat, got frustrated and he quickly cleared it away and washed the place up.

Next day at noon time the hunter returned and found the meat had disappeared and he assumed that Shiva had consumed it. He continued to offer the half of his hunted share daily. The priest was horrified to find meat daily, one day he stayed back and hid himself behind a pillar to see who was breaking the tradition in the temple. As usual the hunter came with the offer. The priest who was hiding got angry on this hunter and was just about to pounce on him when he observed that blood was oozing out from the place where the left eye of Shiva would have been on the Linga. Priest was taken aback and was sure that Shiva was angry and would punish the hunter for breaking the tradition. He was frightened and hid behind the pillar.

On seeing the bleeding Linga the hunter thought that the Lord had hurt himself and gathered herbs and leaves to apply on the wound. This treatment did not stop the blood flow, and then he decided to replace Shiva's eyes with his. He took out the eye from the eye socket and stuck it on the Linga where it was bleeding. Amazingly the bleeding stopped.

A few minutes later, the right eye of Shiva Linga started bleeding. The hunter now thought of replacing his right eye also, but there was a problem once he had taken his right eye out, he would be totally blind and how would he find where to place the eye? He pondered for a minute, and came up with a solution. Lifting his leg, he placed it on the place where the Lord had his right eye, and with his knife, proceeded to take out his right eye from its socket! Just then priest emerged out criticising the hunter for placing his foot on the Linga. He pushed the hunter calling him a fool for placing the foot on the Linga.

Even Lord Shiva could not bear to see this great sacrifice by his devotee and the utter foolishness of the priest; He appeared in front of them! At once, Thimma regained his sight, and prostrated before the Lord. Lord praised the hunter for his devotion and declared him to be a saint. To the priest, He said though he knew all the rituals of worship he failed to have the intense Bhakti which is most important to get aligned to Him. Since he had donated his eyes (kannu is eye) for the Lord, Timma was henceforth known as Kannappa.

Kannappa is the first ever eye donor recorded.

787. Which part of your Body do you feel is more Important???

Once in a Gurukul the Guru asked the disciples, “Which is that part of your body which you think is essential to survive in this world?”

“Eye” said one of the disciples in the front row.

“Sarvendriyanam Nayanam Pradhanam, they say which means of the five sense organs eye are important. Eyes are necessary for us to look at the outer world, but there are blind who are able to manage without them.” said the Guru.

“Ears, one cannot hear but even deaf manage to live, so also those who cannot talk. Guruji you have told us that if one is deprived of one organ God has compassionately compensated with providing more subtlety to the other. ” said one from the group.

“True, when it comes to living life as one wants to we human beings have been able to manage the available resources provided by God to the extreme extent. I want to know as a human being which is the part of the body which you think is important. I will give you one day to think. Let us see if you can answer the question tomorrow.” the Guru told before ending the class for the day.

The disciples discussed among themselves the whole evening and there were different opinions and none could come to conclusion as to which part in the body due absence could make a difference in their living.

The next morning the class started and the Guru asked the disciples if they have the answer to the question asked yesterday. When there was no answer the Guru told, “The shoulders my dear disciples. It is the most important body part.”

“Is it because it holds my head firm?” asked a young lad.

“No, it is important because it can hold the head of someone in distress. A person in distress needs a shoulder to cry upon. I want all of you to have such shoulder which has enough warmth to provide for someone who is low and anguish.  This part of the body is just a symbolic reference to your good will and gesture to accommodate and comforts those who come to you with a heavy heart. You mind has to be open to welcome their grievance and if possible give them soothing words of comfort.”

“But Guruji, you said God helps those who help themselves?” interrupted a disciple.

“True, God helps those who help themselves but that is the second stage, the first one is to make them feel comfortable for which God wants your shoulder. He will be pleased if you say that you are there for those who need a shoulder to cry on. Helping hands are better than praying lips. A person may forget what you said and what you did when he was in his happy days but he will never forget how you comforted them when they were feeling low.”

“Gurudeva, will not the person whom we give shoulder to cry get de-motivated. Will it not act as a hindrance to him from raise above the difficulties? Also, is he not destined to be in such a situation by destiny?” asked a bright student.

“The true essence of our humanity is how far we allow ourselves to be useful to heal others wounds both physical and mental. We need to use our awareness and consciousness to motivate other through our actions. There is no greater gift we can give others than to offer ourselves to make other happy. As far as destiny is concern what is stopping you to be instrumental in making one happy may be that is the opportunity to make your own destiny or just simply let the Lord route His grace through you.”