365. The Three Sins of Sri Sri Sankara…………..

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/mysticism/the-three-sins-of-sri-sri-sankara

Sri Sri Sankara along with his disciples once visited Sri Vishwanatha Temple at Kasi. After taking bath in Ganga he headed straight to the temple. At the temple in front of Kasi Vishwanatha, Sri Sri Sankara began to seek pardon to the three sins he had committed. His disciples were surprised and wondered what those sins could be for which Acharya was doing Prayaschitta (Atonement). 

One of the disciples out of curiosity to know about the three sins that Acharya had committed asked Sri Sri Sankara about it. Sri Sri Sankara explained, “Though I believe that Absolute is Sarvavyapta (Omnipresent) and had expressed so in many of my works, I have come all the way to Kasinagara to have His darshana, as if He was present only in Kasinagara. I have committed the sin of saying one thing and doing the other. This is my first sin. 

Taittriya Upanishad says, “Yatho Vacho Nivartante Aprapya Manasa Sah.”(The words return and mind fails to comprehend Him). Though I knew that He is beyond the realm of thoughts and words, I have made an attempt of describing Him by words in “Sri Kasi Vishwanatha Ashtakam.” Again I have committed the sin of not practising what I preached. This is my second sin. 

Now the third sin, in my “Nirvana Shatakam” I had written clearly, 

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

Meaning: I have neither higher nor lower merits. Nor pleasure or pain, I do not need sacred chants, nor I need to go on pilgrimages. I do not need scriptures, rituals, or sacrifices (Yajnas). I am neither the enjoyed nor the enjoyer, nor enjoyment. I am the form of Consciousness-Bliss. I am auspicious, I am auspicious.  


Yet, here I am standing in front of the Lord praying for the atonement of my sins. This is the third sin.


The profound insight in this episode in the life of Sri Sri Sankara’s reveals the importance of harmony in our thought, word, and deed. If one has the keenness to attain Absolute he has to maintain harmony in his thoughts as well as words and deeds. No matter how good our intentions are, the world looks for our presentation. But no mater how good our presentation is Absolute looks for our intentions. 

It is said thus :

Manas Ekam Vachas Ekam, Karman Ekam Mahatmanam, 
Manas Ekam Vachas Ekam, Karman Ekam Duratmanam. 

(Noble-Minded people are those who have perfect harmony in their thoughts, words and deeds, Evil-Minded are those who lack that harmony). Look at the beauty of Sanskrit here, the word “Ekam” is used in different context for Mahatmanam (Noble-Minded) and Duratmanam (Evil-Minded). When the word is same for both there is a little confusion, if read properly the confusion fades away.

Is it possible to be so in this modern world……? Why not? if we have a preceptor like Sri Sri Sankara. Moreover accepting a mistake is a great trait. Sri Sri Sankara courageously admitted and showed the world that he was not an Hypocrite.  

Today is the appearance day of the Great Acharya. I bow to the lotus feet of Sri Sri Sankara. 

363. When I address a person as “Sir” is it to the Body or Self??

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/when-i-address-a-person-as-sir-is-it-to-the-body-or-self-69116

I had been inspired by Swami Rama of Himalayas who used to address the gathering as “I bow to the Divinity in you”. Now who was Swami Rama bowing to was it not to the divinity in those people who had gathered??? When an Enlightened Soul like Swami Rama could say so why not we??? 

Is it wrong for me to address someone as “Sir” or “Ma’am” or “Ji”???? 

I wonder why people get intimidated if they are addressed as Sir or Ma’am or Ji. It is the only way for the other person to show his respect or even may be affection. It reflects the humility of a person. Humility is a vital mind-set for a seeker in spiritual life.  Self centeredness which could be nurtured by superior intelligence or riches or position or praise of others, is a barrier that causes hindrance on the path. An authentic humility is not pretentiousness. Humility has its root in constant readiness to accept what the other person view is, and to be open to their views even if it were to differ from our own rigid concepts.


To address a person as “Sir” is like opening the passage which submits the value of humility and modesty. But to put forward these gestures one should be sincere and honest which likens the humble person to a little kid with natural impulsiveness and acceptance. Thus with such nature the person will be in contrast to the ever complicated personality of an adult which has many masks, hidden hatreds, and buried intolerance. With Amanitvam (Humility) and Adambhitvam (Modesty) one can cultivate Anahankaram (Egoless). 

If I address a person as Sir or Ma’am or Ji it is to the divinity residing in the cave of the heart of the individual. The divinity present in the cave of the heart is the source of the Consciousness in all of us and is also the spiritual epicenter of love and affection. He is reachable only if we go beyond the Mind which is the source of our Ego.

361. Mind is just a Pot of Thoughts keep that Pot Clean….!!!!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/science-of-spirituality/mind-is-just-a-pot-of-thoughts-keep-that-pot-clean

In a village was a farmer growing wheat in his 10 acre land. He worked all day in the field and in the evenings he attended discourse at a temple. "Gurudev" as everyone in the village called him was a learned soul who gave discourse on various Holy Scriptures and preached the villagers the way of life. The farmer used to attend the discourse almost every day without fail. Farmer however had a doubt which he wanted to clear from Gurudev so he approached him one evening.

This is how their conversation went on. 

Farmer: Gurudev you had mentioned mind (Manas) is the behind all good and bad that is happening. It is always inclined to sense gratification and hence sometime it is the cause for us to commit the bad deeds. Now I would like to ask you, can’t I be without it?

Gurudev: Oh my child, you are so innocent! Why are you so much against your mind? Mind is necessary for you to live. Without it you cannot experience the good and the bad you become like a plant which exists and breath. If you just had mind along with breath and existence you would be like animal but Absolute has bestowed you with mind as well as intellect to be a human.  Moreover it is because of that mind you have this life. 

Farmer: But, Gurudev my mind is not stable it is always after something or the other. I cannot control it I sometimes feel I do not need the mind at all?

Gurudev (coughing): Could you get me some water?       

Farmer rushes out to fetch water to Gurudev and comes back in with a pot of water. Looking at him coming Gurudev said.

Gurudev: No, I do not want that pot I need water.

Farmer: No, Gurudev I have brought water.

Gurudev: I do not need that pot I want only water.

Farmer: Water in inside the pot Gurudev you need not worry a lot about the brass tumbler just drink the water in it.

Gurudev: Look my child, in the same way your Mind is a container of thoughts. You need not worry about that mind just as you wanted me to concentrate on water not on the pot. Only important thing is that the pot has to be clean.

Farmer: Gurudev agreed that mind is necessary but then how can I keep it clean and clam.

Gurudev: Mind is always causing mental noise by chattering. It will throw question and then it will answer it and create new question and answers them it is a routine for it to be so.    

Farmer: So do you mean to say it is natural and normal Gurudev?

Gurudev: Mind often has same thought repeating over and over again like a gramophone record that is got stuck. If this is a positive or constructive thought then there is no problem at all as it is going to easy out as soon as the deed is done, but very often it is a negative or destructive thought that induces frustration and anger. Such thoughts are unwanted for you my child.

Farmer: Gurudev can I just have positive and constructive thought only?

Gurudev: Yes, my child you can have thoughts which could be a positive thoughts in majority, but you cannot stop negative thoughts either.

Farmer: Gurudev what am I supposed to do with negative and destructive thoughts when they surface? 

Gurudev: Just be indifferent to such thoughts they will fade off as they have appeared.

Farmer: How can I be indifferent to such thoughts Gurudev in fact those are the thoughts that pull me to think over and over again.

Gurudev (laughs): I do understand my child. If you feel a thought has negativity in it just chant whichever mantra you know, by doing so your mind will become calm. Or do some creative work then mind gets diverted from that thought.

Farmer: Is it as simple as that! But how will I remember to chant mantra at that time.

Gurudev: Hence Lord Krishna tells in Gita “tasmat sarveshu kaleshu mam anusmara” meaning “therefore always remember Me” My child if you make it a routine to remember Him always you will not ask me or anyone when to remember Him.

Farmer:  Pranam Gurudev!

360. Gates of Heaven are Open but have you obtained the Visa???

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/science-of-spirituality/gates-of-heaven-are-open-but-have-you-obtained-the-visa

Eleventh day of the second fortnight of Maragasirsa masa is popularly known as Vaikunta Ekadashi. A Vaishnava who is fasting on the Ekadashi which occur twice in a month holds this particular day in great esteem because it was on this day the great devotee Nammalwar, went back to the Lord and Maha Vishnu stood at the door of Vaikunta with its gates open to receive His devotee. It is believed that ever since on this day the gates of Vaikunta will be open and to commemorate this great event, all Vaishnava temples create a Vaikunta Dwara - a special entrance which opens towards northern side.


As mentioned there are two Ekadashi in a month and the one which appears on the Krishna Paksha, the first fortnight when moon is waning is Bhakti Pradta (Devotion bestowing) while that which comes on Shukla Paksha, the second fortnight when the moon is waxing is Mukti Pradata (Liberation bestowing). Today's Ekadashi is Mukti Pradata Ekadashi and hence the gates of Heaven are open.


Well, I am too insignificant to know if the gates are open in the Macro Cosmos (Brahmanda) but in Micro Cosmos (my body) the gates have to be open to the lotus which represents purity and is a symbol of Bhakti. I am sure that He resides within my heart. Though I perceive Him everywhere, I feel He is in my heart, the spiritual center manifesting as Paramatma or Antaryami. He dwells in the lotus heart of every devotee as it is His Sanctum.


It is not the physical heart but the spiritual heart that the lotus represents. Maha Narayana Upanishad says, “One should meditate upon the Supreme – the limitless, unchanging, all-knowing, cause of the happiness of the world, dwelling in the sea of one’s own heart, as the goal of all striving. The place for His meditation is the ether in the heart – the heart which is similar to an inverted lotus bud. Like the bud of a lotus, suspends in an inverted position, the heart, surrounded by arteries. In it there is a narrow space which supports everything.” It is here that He dwells.


If I wish to enter the house of a person whom I have not seen before, I have to request permission from the owner of the house to let me in. The owner also might think twice before letting me in or in most case he will never let me in. But if I my heart has the qualities of tenderness, sweetness and love and not shrouded with “I” ness, the owner experiences that I am all heart and immediately his heart will become one with mine and chances are there that he might let me in.


This subtle area of infinity radiates and is the most expressive and intimate representation of the Humanism. If the gates are open to this sacred vibrations, the warmth of the Truth can be felt. For it is here the most important revelation that can never be induce through any scriptures is revealed, which is called LOVE and COMPASSION. 


This is the VISA which is needed to be produced at the Gates of Heaven........ try to get one as quickly as possible..!!!!! 

359. The Four Stages of Spiritual Growth.

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/science-of-spirituality/the-four-stages-of-spiritual-growth

Spirituality has four stages depending on the colossal advancement of a seeker. 

1. INITIAL STAGE (Aarambha)
2. EFFECTIVE STAGE (Parinaama)
3. SELF REALIZATION STAGE (Vivurta)  
4. SELF LIBERATION STAGE (Ajaata)


Aarambha is the initial stages for a seeker here he is unable to grasp the enormity of Absolute hence surrendering, accepting, and understanding IT as Omnipresent, Omniscient, and Omnipotent is absent. In this stage proof to get convinced id necessary. At this stage Moral Value, Discipline, Dharma, Prayer, Respecting elders, Service to others etc are included and emphasized. Here karma (action) takes the main stage so rituals are prominent here.


Parinaama is the next stage new subtle teaching and more advanced thoughts are induced as he is already introduced to Moral, Ethical, Discipline aspects. Here the seeker starts to ask questions like “WHY AM I HERE?” His intellect is allowed to nurture and he is let to find out why a particular thing needs to be done. Hence at this stage the prominence is shifted from the work or action to the reason behind the action.


Vivurta is the third and the turning point of the seeker where logical reasoning is not given much importance and the thought of Absolute Consciousness stems. At this level the most important question “WHO AM I?” arises in the seeker. He finds out that he is not the body but soul. He realizes that Atman and Paramatma is the one. He becomes conscious of paths like Karma, Bhakthi, Jnana, for Self Realization. He contemplates and meditates to know his core and asserts that by threading any of those paths he is one with Him and in fact he is Him. At this stage some of the Seekers may think that they know all and try not to move further in Spirituality. But a true seeker will question thus: ‘If I am the God then why do I need to surrender? Does this very idea of surrender indicate duality?” It is time for the Guru to reveal the highest doctrine called Ajaata.

At the Ajaata stage Guru advices the disciple that, if he makes mental effort to meditate to realize his true nature, then it is of no use. All he has to do is abide in Self, since he is Atman there is no need to make an effort. If he considers ignorance as an illusion, then Moksha (Salvation) is even bigger illusion. Guru teaches his worthy disciple that at this stage he has to elevate from this plane and know that nothing exists: No World, No Maya, No Personal God, nothing, except Brahman (Absolute Consciousness).


He has to accept everything as it is and there is even no need to renounce. Who is renouncing whom or what? There is no second one. The dual nature of mind to select or reject has been dissolved into reality. Mind is introduced to the Third Dimension of stillness by becoming just witness. Such a person is blessed with absolute completeness and dwell in uninterrupted and infinite bliss. Such a soul, worthy of worship, is very very rare and is called Jivan Mukta (Liberated before Death).


Now having told about these stages it is for the benefit of every seeker, instead if starts taking the “level” seriously, it becomes another element of his ego and an impediment to further growth. His only competition and comparison should be with self. As long as he is making progress and is learning something each day that makes him a better person on the path. He has to walk the path with his own sadhana (Practice) feet, hence comparing his “progress and experiences” with those of other seekers is futile. Instead, he should just keep faith in the HIS scheme of things and move on ………ultimately every one will be realized and will merge with Him someday.

358. This is what I have learnt and understood from Ramayana?????

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/this-is-what-i-have-learnt-and-understood-from-ramayana

For a true seeker who has a motive to excel, Ramayana will never be a mythological story but will be a great inspiration for him to lead a meaningful and harmonious life amidst this chaotic society.

Here are few important message that i understood from Ramayana which I have summed up and this list is not all…..


About Purusharthas:

Our life is devoted in running after materialism (Artha) and sense pleasures (Kama). Ramayana tells that though both are necessary it should not breach Dharma (righteousness) at any cost. To withhold Dharma, Artha and Kama can be and must be sacrificed. If one yearns for Moksha (liberation), he can achieve it by turning down Artha and Kama if they come in Adharmic way and by strictly following a life of Dharma.


About the need to honor one's word:



Word given by King Dhasharatha to Sage Vishwamitra was honoured by Shri Rama ….. He accompanied the sage to protect the Yagna. ….. Trustworthy is greater compliment than being loved, since with mistrust love vanishes. 


About getting advice from wise:

Kaikeyi meekly heeded to the words of her maid Mandara and created havoc. Wise are fit to give advice none other. If at the time of crisis consult Self or the wise, never get the advice of foolish.

 
About not wanting others property: 
 
With the decision to crown Bharatha as the king of Ayodhya, Shri Rama never accepts it when Bharatha comes running to offer him the Kingdom. What is not yours is like venom never attempt to relish it, it will kill not you but your Self.


About not getting influenced by uncertain pull:
 
It was Sita Devi who was pulled by the Golden Deer. Her desire to have it was the reason for her abduction. This prakriti is so well crafted by Maya that it lures us towards it. It is wise to enjoy it not to acquire it.


About having a heart to fill all: 
 
At the time of crossing the Sarayu River it was the fisherman Guha who takes Shri Rama to other side of the river. Shri Rama who helps us to cross the river of Samsara is helped to cross the river by Guha, was it not his fortune?? If we have people in our heart they are always ready to support us at crisis.

 

About Humility: 


Hanuman, the personification of Humility. When asked by Ravana as to how many of them are there in Shri Rama’s army like him, Hanuman says many many many. But we all know none were equal to Hanuman. Thinking I am the greatest none are like me is an underestimation. Humility makes a great man twice honorable.


About helping a friend in distress:

Shri Rama helps Sugriva get back is abducted wife from Vali. Helping a friend in need is the friend indeed. 
 

About showing mercy to foe:

Helping a friend is normal, but giving a foe a second chance is indeed great. Shri Rama sends Angada to Ravana to request him to let go Sita Devi. There are very few who could even think of giving his foe a second chance. But that is what life is all about ……. Live and let live…..  


Ramayana give us an insightful messages in every incident it we search for them instead of reading it as a mythology.  

357. Shri Rama and His decision to Abandon Sita Devi in Forest ……

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/god-and-i/shri-rama-and-his-decision-to-abandon-sita-devi-in-forest

The Great Epic Ramayana written by Sage Valmiki is it self flawless and no one can show fingers at the events or incidents in that great epic. But there is a thought in the younger generation that there are some lapses in the epic this is completely because either they have not read the epic or have not understood the main essence of the epic that is to say to the world “Uphold Dharma.” I feel writing a blog to justify the great epic would be like flashing a torch light to look at sun, but I think I should put forth my view… so that individuals do not project their views on any epic or mythology or philosophy if they have no complete knowledge of it.

There are two incidents which are talked about more in Ramayana. It is unfortunate that even though there are many sweet incidences, we take up magnifying glasses to find a tiny incident which does not have that importance. The first is why did Shri Rama kill Vali from behind? This same question was asked by Vali himself to Shri Rama in his last few minutes. Shri Rama tells him that he as a warrior king could hunt. Vali is taken back he asks Shri Rama why should he hunt if he is not interested in consuming the flesh of a monkey. Shri Rama tells Vali it is the nature of animals to abduct the wife of other and as the land belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty He, as the ruler had the Dharmic Right to come to the rescue of Sugreeva, whos wife Tara was abducted by Vali. 

The one more event talked a lot in entire Ramayana is that of Shri Rama abandoning Sita Devi based on the public opinion of her character. The war against Ravana to get back His beloved wife was over. The anxiety in the search for Sita Devi and the heaviness of war were all consigned to memory. His friends, His brothers, His mother, and step mothers were happy without any worries. The people of Ayodhya had got back their beloved King. The kingdom was flourishing with peace and prosperity; Shri Rama and Sita Devi were happy and contented. To add to all this happiness was the His marriage with Sita was bearing fruit. Sita Devi was pregnant and He was to be a father soon. In such a seemingly perfect situation, there was hidden a discontentment amongst the people of Ayodhya which was spilled out by an inebriated washer-man. It is widely believed that a single washer-man abusing his wife led to Shri Rama abandoning his wife. However, it is clear that the discontentment was widespread but came out from the mouth of a washer-man. Having sensed this discontent, Shri Rama decides to abandon his beloved wife.

First Shri Rama never doubted personally. Shri Rama knew Sita Devi She was his heartthrob. It was the people of Ayodhya began to talk on this subject. The washer-man had said, “Our king might accept a wife who had stayed in another man’s home but not me – On hearing a washer man question the purity of the Queen of Ayodhya, Shri Rama decides to send a pregnant Sita Devi to the forest. Shri Rama is the ideal king and for a modern reader this is heights of stupidity and absurdity. A modern person would want Shri Rama to stand by His wife and defend her and not to fall for the irresponsible nonsense of His foolish subjects. If Shri Rama had sent the washer man questioning the purity of Sita Devi to prison, he would be performing the duty of a husband. But will he be performing the duty of a King? Shri Rama could have beheaded the washer man on the spot. But will He be able behead all those people that questions the purity of Sita Devi. Shri Rama would have become a dictator! Would He be called the Ideal person even today if He had acted so????

Was Shri Rama happy without Sita Devi? No, in fact He suffered more than Sita Devi. He was lonely in the huge palace. He was always immersed in the thought of Sita Devi. He had to bear the voidness created by Sita Devi’s departure. He was filled with remorse - a husband who had to send His pregnant wife away. This is very nicely penned by Sage Valmiki, but Shri Rama did His Dharma; He upheld the accepted standards of IDEAL King-hood.

356. Ego is O.K, but separate Ego & Self to keep a check on Egoistic Self..!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/ego-is-ok-but-separate-ego-self-to-keep-a-check-on-egoistic-self

It is a general notion that an injury causes suffering to the part of the body which has had the impact but in reality it is not the body that is feeling the pain it is the mind. This is the reason why anesthesia is administered at the time of operation so that the pain signals are prevented from reaching the brain, the station of our mind. This is the physical injury but what happens when one is psychologically injured? The Egoistic mind is the cause of suffering at the time of psychological injury. The Egoistic mind constructs a sequence of what is, what was, or what will be and push the mind into suffering. Mostly the projected series induces fear and insecure feel in the mind and drive us into the negative side of the future, since at that time any thought projected takes the center stage.


The positive cheer from the well-wishers or a positive thought from within do not find place in our mind. Even a simple thought flash like “I am fine” takes the back stage because the Ego prompts the mind “I am not fine”.  Whether we are thinking positive or negative, we have the Ego that takes the decision. This is the major problem. The Ego crafts the “me” thought and becomes Egoistic Self.  When I was young I would suffer only due to physical injury but as I grow up the Egoistic Self begins to take charge and it veils the True Self. The birth of Egoistic Self is the cause of my psychological suffering. The Egoistic Self and Mind go hand in hand. At all times the focus is on Egoistic Self, if the focus is shifted from it my mind is restless. I suffer not only because I have separated from other individuals who share the universe with me, but also because I have separated myself from the True Self.


Is suffering a boon or a bane?  Suffering is what wakes me up out of the Egoistic state, it acts as the whistle blower to clear the way and awaken me to experience the True Self. Unfortunately instead of looking for the True Self my mind looks even back at the physical body and lament even more. This is where spirituality is necessary for my mind to guide it to look beyond the physical body and experience the True Self. Suffering can never be considered a blunder if my mind is able to look beyond my body.


How would spirituality guide me? If I look at my life it is filled with puzzles. Every puzzle is solved by searching for the solutions to suffering that I undergo. In this process I hysterically look here and there for the way out of suffering. I come across many solutions like making money, being successful, becoming famous, built status, have high level rapport.  Have these helped me solve the puzzle? No, I eventually discovered that none of these have come to the rescue of many greats at the time of crisis. Then what else could do the job?


After looking in all these directions and more, I begin looking into Philosophies and teachings of different religious heads for the solution. Yes, those provided me the path but not the solution. What then is the solution?  Is there no solution or is the solution hard to achieve? The solution is to separate the Ego and the Self. There is no harm with Ego when it is not provided the status of Self. When it is done there is Egoistic Self which rules my mind and ruins me. The Ego and Self separation is achieved either by Jnana (Knowledge ) OR Bakthi (Devotion) by which I do understand that I am not Physical Body or Mind or Ego but True Self. 

355. What is Moksha? Who is a Mumukshu?

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/science-of-spirituality/what-is-moksha-who-is-a-mumukshu

The value of leading a meaningful life is pertaining to the fulfillment of the objectives of our existence. There are four objectives called Purusharthas (Purusha meaning human being and Artha being objective) called Dharma (Righteousness), Artha (Wealth) Kama (Desire) & Moksha (Liberation). 


While the modern society has more or less accepted Artha and Kama the first and last of the objectives are not looked into for obvious reasons. In recent times Dharma is mistaken as priest craft and its true essence of Eternal Truth has been dampened. As far as Moskha is concerned some feel it is only fit to be in Puranic stories. 


The problem is that without knowing about things we are just ignoring them. Some feel that Achara (rituals) are not necessary while others feel that Vichara (knowledge) is of no use while some have the intention that Moksha (liberation) could get us nowhere. But Achara leads us to Vichara and from Vichara alone one can think of achieving Moksha.    


What is Achara is it just rituals? No, it is right conduct. Right conduct is to be achieved by being disciplined. To be disciplined one has to make it a ritual to do the right thing at the right time. This is Achara. 


What is Vichara is it just knowledge? No, it is the most purest and inspirational thing. Knowledge has to get a considerable amount of support from good conduct else that knowledge could have a negative impact. We have seen most heinous crimes are committed by the most brilliant of men who have employed the knowledge to a negative cause. Hence it is important that our knowledge be guided in the right way by good conduct. This right conduct along with right knowledge is the stepping stone for an individual to attain Liberation (Moksha).


Now what is Moksha? Who is a Mumukshu? 


A Mumukshu is the one who is intensely yearning for Liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Mumukshutva is a power that gives strength to develop Vairagya (dispassion) and Bhava Virakti (emotional detachment). 


Is it necessary to have Vairagya and Bhava Virakti? Yes, to some extent an individual has to have these two since it helps him to resist the temptations of the senses which could lead him to get engrossed in the worldly pleasures which might affect his self discipline while he is threading the path of self-realisation.



Though it is wrong to blame the worldly enjoyments but then they are momentary and temporary. Now the immediate concern is, is it worth to run behind these momentary enjoyments by spending lot of our time, energy, and efforts as by itself this life span is too very little? Even after achieving those we are not sure they can provide us eternal happiness. They may provide us momentary happiness but we are not satisfied with that we are frustrated and disappointed when that happiness fail to stay on. Satisfying the mind is a Herculean task. The more it is satisfied the more it yearns for and more desires are being spawned waiting to be gratified and if the desires are not gratified, the mind gets annoyed, irritated, furious, and unhappy.


Moksha - for what? For the Subtle body (Mind and Intellect) which is filled with unfulfilled desires and untold ambitions in the subconscious mind. In fact Mumukshutva is a method to clear the garbage of the Mind.


A real Mumukshu does not run away from the responsibilities of life. He does his work normally like any other but the only difference is the way he perceives the result of the work done. He works whole heartedly than a person who is interested monetarily but never allows the result to go to his head. He is never afraid of the misery in the world but he aspires to attain purity and eternity of real happiness that is unlimited and unconditioned by time, space, and causation.

At the beginning of his path he might have felt difficult and might have had doubts all the time with lots of distractions and obstacles on his path. But with strong Mumukshutva and determination, he marches forward step by step and will reach the destination one day. Endurance, courage, aloofness, faith, conviction, willpower, and joyfulness are his strength to keep him going in his path towards self-realization.

May all the serious seekers on ST be bestowed with Mumukshutva and great strength to thread the path of self-realisation. This is the path that has to be threaded alone but we are definitely not without help. We have our Gurus, Masters (in all forms) and most importantly our very own Self ready to guiding us, help us and support us in this venture.

354. How to cure Poverty from our Spiritual Responsibility????

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/how-to-cure-poverty-from-our-spiritual-responsibility

Spirituality and the desire for materialism never go hand in hand say some, while others feel that only when the belly pot is filled one can divert his attention towards Spirituality. These two sentences are in a way confusing to a seeker like me. These are two extremes and to strike an equal balance between those two is the requirement of the hour.  It is important to give reverence to money but not prominence. To live in society we need money as everything has got a price tag and hence it is obvious to earn money to sustain in society. How much to earn is the million dollar question?  

Making money through hard work will never be a taboo, but money making is like puffing up a balloon, there is no limit to it when overdone it will burst and there is no use of the air that was puffed. Money is required only for our need not for our greed. Money may bring us comforts when it is in our grasp and serving us as servant, but if it starts to riding on us and become our master it is definite to rob peace in us. To get back the lost peace we foolishly turn to Ashrams and Mutts and pour out money into their lap in the form of donations in an illusion that peace could be got back.    



Is it sense to lose the peace we had and search for it after it is gone? Why are we so?



Is it because here in this country we have been preached of philanthropy more than in any other countries? We know in ancient times when kings used to win war, their pontiff used to advise the king to build temples to get rid of the sin committed by killing many at the war. Actually in those times there were many craftsmen and artisans who had to make a living and those pontiffs might have suggested that a temple may be built so that it would help them. It was a situation of hitting two birds with one stone for them.



Such acts of the ancient pontiff have been misused in recent ages by some fake gurus and masters who are luring the peace seeking devotees to donate so that they could get back the lost peace. Neither the seeker nor the masters are concern about what Dharma says. There is no question of sharing it with destitute who could be in that situation by their past deeds. The two extremes of poverty and riches are here since long, but recently the difference is becoming all the more obvious. Awareness and aspiration have begun since empowerment and extensiveness have developed; these differences may give rise to unrest and even turmoil. It is time that we as society should individually stop and generally discourage others from these vulgar displays of riches but instead give a thought to sharing with the needy, who could be paying for the past karmas here now. 

Will sharing with the needy get back the lost peace or accumulate good virtues for us? No, not immediately though, at least it will give us solace. With solace and a positive way of living, may be in quite some time we may get back peace. Philanthropy which was two or three decade ago is not the same as we are seeing today, it seldom goes beyond helping own relatives, or donating to a temple or ashram or religious organization in the locality, or sponsoring for some cultural event which could get publicity and prominence. There is no use in preaching there has to be transformation in every individual. 


If looked deep into a person who is living in Monetary Poverty could be living a peaceful life with Spiritual Surplus when compared to a person who is in Spiritual Poverty. Monetary Poverty and Spiritual Surplus is better than Monetary Surplus and Spiritual Poverty as it is proved since ages that money cannot buy Love but with Love alone one can get by without money.



Money can get us a lovely dog, but it is only the love we show on him that make him wag his tail. 

353. Thoughts are Natural & Safe if Mind accepts them as they are…..

Thoughts that emerge in my mind are natural and do not need any approval or denial. If I am aware of this I can live for the present neither worrying much about the past nor becoming anxious about future. When my mind is aware, over the period of time I am able to notice that what I am aware of has always transpired in the mind. In other words, nothing left my mind, to cause misery or happiness to me from outside. The miseries and happiness that my physical body experience is in fact the result of abstract projections of my own mind making it look as if some external object is instrumental for them.


When I simply watch my thoughts, I observe in my experience that there is an unmanageable temperament to resist that which is natural. It becomes obvious that there is nothing I can run away from, since it has never left my mind, but due to my ignorance I try to resist. My mind has mastered the art of resistance using many forms, when one does not work there is another in hand. My mind goes head over heels to escape this inescapable.


In reality, this circus of my mind to resist is illogical by nature. The agony in my mind is not in the thought but in the inability to accept that which is natural. It may be little surprising but, that is exactly how my mind works. To give an example, when I am angry, this emotion called anger is an aspect of my mind. It arises when I do not accept a thought in my mind as a mere thought instead I hold on to that and do not want anything to happen contradicting it. Suppose another thought or a notion counters it, there is a conflict in my mind. This conflict is the agony of my mind. Conflict is merely the inability to accept any thought just as it is, the reason being I am attached to the original thought which I hold on to. Further I presume that my thought to be always “right” and those which I do not agree with are forever “wrong”. This right and wrong clash head on causing agony in my mind and this is put out as anger.


If I am mindful and have developed the ability to recognize anger as a product of contrast ideas and if I accept it with right mindedness then that anger will never remain long. Understandably anger arises from not accepting that which is natural and it subsides when accepted. Hence my elders insist me not to make a hasty decision when in anger as my mind is not in the frame. They have given me the most important formula which I need to remember when any disturbing emotions arise, be it in the form of envy, hatred, or despair. All I need do is to recognize the emotion as it is, as if giving it a voice in my mind. I need to just say to it, “I accept you exactly as you are I am ready to give you the space to be what you are” and then miraculously the emotion subsides. By this approach I am accepting the disturbing emotions without trying to resist it. It is surprising to know that if I accept the thought as it is, and try not to fool my mind by trying to fix the agony, the disturbing emotions just vanish into thin air. If not, it gets settled in my sub-conscious mind to emerge back and disturb me again in future.