442. Hanuman and some Management Tips….!!!!!!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/hanuman-and-some-management-tips

“Dasoham Kosalendrasya” (Servant of Rama, the king of Kosala) replied Hanuman, when asked who he was by King Ravana. Hanuman never in the entire epic has shown himself as the doer instead considered himself as a “daasa” (Servant) of his Lord Rama. But then how humble was he? How did Kavi Valmiki depict Hanuman such that his character was not mistaken for weakness or lacking confidence?

The characterization of Hanuman in the epic is by itself an excellent and most interesting one he is depicted as Personification of Humility. He tackles the situation in such a way that whatever action he undertakes was possibly the best course of action. And importantly the task was accomplished by him and needed no one to put their hands into it.  Hanuman had the ability to handle the situations that he confronts either by his wit or wisdom but never boasted his abilities.

There are so many incidences in Sundara Kanda and Yuddha Kanda which may help us in managing our action. While the search for Sita Devi was planned one group was sent towards south. That group came near Danushkoti there was a discussion as to who could leap the 100 yojanas to reach Lanka. When all the vanaras including Jambhavan, the veteran were spelling out how much distance they can leap. No one had the capacity to jump 100 yojanas. In fact Jambhavan had circumambulated Lord Trivikrama trice when he had stood up to measure the three worlds. But he was aged and so he requested Hanuman, reminding him of his act of leaping at Sun when he was a kid. Jambhavan said if anyone could leap it was only Hanuman and on one else. But in recent time we have this habit of boasting a lot before the task is undertaken than we can do.

Another sequence in Sundara Kanda, Hanuman while crossing the sea had to face many obstacles.  The King of Lanka had the sea guarded by Sursa, a demoness. When he tried to go past her she obstructed him saying that she had a wish and whoever fulfils it would be allowed to move ahead. And the wish was that anyone who dare to go pass her had to enter her mouth. Hanuman took up the condition and asked her to open her mouth and started to grow bigger and bigger. Then suddenly he became very small and went in through mouth and coming out in a jiffy thus fulfilling her wish. Sursa was please at the wisdom of Hanuman and allowed him to go to Lanka. Normally one thinks offence is the best form of defence but it is not always so, sometimes solutions can be obtained through wit is what Hanuman conveys here for us.

In yet another instance Hanuman takes departure from Sita Devi collecting her Cudamani to show it to Lord Rama and promises her that he will be back with Lord Rama to free her. But Sita Devi carefully places a doubt whether Sugriva and his vanara were capable of crossing the ocean and taking on the mighty army of Ravana. Hanuman answered her in a very tactful way. He starts with his leader, Sugriva and tells her about his commitment to the cause. Then he mentions that the army under his leader was thousands of crores of monkeys. The number put by Hanuman should give confidence to Sita Devi. After that he mentions the overall qualities like power, perseverance and loyalty of the army towards the leader Sugriva. He finally says that the monkeys in the army were either equal or many many times greater than him when compared to strength and valor. There is not even one who is inferior to him in the army.  Hanuman not only cleared the doubts of Sita Devi he also put confidence in her. It is important to raise the self-confidence of others by encouraging and inspiring them without exaggerated and embellished words.   

Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated twice in a year, why so???

Hanuman was born on Chaitra Purnima which is today however in the month of Margashira, Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated to mark the occasion when Hanuman first met Shri Rama........ A true rebirth!!!

440. Spiritual Path as I understand and Experience......!!!!!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/spiritual-path-as-i-understand-and-experience

Spirituality is not going away from people and living in solitude, instead it is an inner process of awakening to understand and live a life of satisfaction and unconditional love. This path ensures us a better and healthy harmonious life free from stress and strain, uncertainty and anxiety.

Spirituality is a process to remove the wrong concepts we have on religion and dogmas. It has helped me improve my thoughts and rationalizes belief about the purpose of my life and the relationship I have with this world around me. Spiritual thought of all philosophies are same and emphasize on experiencing that Consciousness in me. To get a gist of this awareness I have to look inside my Self by shunning the illusions and unveil the Self that is shrouded by Ego.

Spirituality in recent times is used to project the superiority of religion and it is also used as a means to make money by certain organizations, this is a very bad precedence. By spend money and attending some class or courses one cannot become spiritual. Yes, I agree that Satsangh is important but only to a certain level. There are masters who initiate and show me the path and that is it, they can never take me beyond that. I have to tread the path by constant practice with intent to grow spiritually. Sorry, the term “grow spiritually” is not correct. Spirit in me is always perfect and does not need to grow. It is my awareness of who I am and my perspective of looking at life that makes the difference.

The awareness of who I am is got when I get back to my basics by remaining in seat of silence and try to listen to my inner voice. Prior to this I have to discipline myself by speaking truth as far as possible, and avoid hurting others physically or mentally. This can be practiced whatever religion or ideology I may follow. A seed is initially treated with Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4) solution and then sown in a moist and humid fertile soil to sprout healthy, but even after this process some do not sprout at all. In spirituality also an individual has to initially get acquainted with ethical percepts and then introduced to scriptural reasoning. Instead one cannot expect a seed to sprout dry and high.  Self-knowledge is the key, understanding my three bodies namely Gross, Subtle and Causal, and becoming aware of what is happening inside and outside. 

Now the question is: What is the benefit of knowing Self?????

By knowing Self and developing the ability to listen to my inner voice I become more tolerant and patient. Nothing can make me irritated, upset, or prompt me to develop negative thoughts. My instinct gets sharper there is an abundance of inner strength with positive vibrations. There is sense of detachment and dispassion that checks my Ego. Once there is control over ego there is no chance of outside circumstance affecting my moods and disturbing my mind. With an undisturbed mind I am sure of stillness in my mind to lead to peace. Hence spirituality to me is an experience of going beyond mind.

Spirituality should never be considered a myth or unreachable realm. Some have an age barrier for it and would not encourage youngsters on the fear that they may lose them. But the younger the better to take a dive into this path. Spirituality is within everybody reach and the need is to know it, practice it and experience it. Knowledge is required but it is not enough, contemplation of the knowledge is also not enough, and being initiated by a master is also not enough, to realize our Self we must sit in seat of silence which is just another form of contemplation. The answer I seek does not come when my mind is busy, the mind has to be still to obtain it…….What say????? 

439. A few Doubts about the Political Practices in my Country….

http://www.speakingtree.in/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/a-few-doubts-about-the-political-practices-in-my-country

I know many might be wondering about this blog why is it sticking out here, but I feel a little thought has to be given to the impractical practice carried out by us, The People of India and a little change in perception on the elected representatives is the need of the hour……    

In this sovereign secular socialist democratic republic country we the people elect our representative according to the Constitution of India. Democracy stands on the tripod with the legs namely Karyanga (Bureaucracy), Nyayanga (Judiciary) and Shasakanga (Legislature). If either of the one fails democratic values get fractured.

But I do have some doubts could anyone please clarify:

1. Are the elected representative public servants or our rulers?

When the constitution was framed the common man was in the intention that his voice would be represented through an elected member who would be his servant. But why is it no so now? Have the politicians forgotten that they are elected to serve the public? Why do they need high end vehicles? And why should they go on foreign tours spending the exchequer’s money?

2. Should we equate them to the King or Monarch?

When the politicians mostly the Chief Minister arrives to a public function he or she is received with a “Purna Kumbha.” Usually this kind of “Swagatam” is given to the King or a monarch. By practicing such a protocol have we unknowingly crowned them as our Kings? Have we, the people of India forgotten that we have elected them to serve us and they are our servants? Why should we request or plead them to do the work instead of ordering them?

3. Once elected do the elected representatives elevate beyond law?

We have come across many politicians who try to use their position to get away with murder or instigating riots. Does getting elected as a people’s representative give them license to dodge law? If so, do not all those who have a criminal record aspire to become an elected representative?  Why does law fail to act quickly on the elected representative while a petty criminal is given a swift verdict? Does the land of the law have double standards when treating one who is become both powerful and corrupt?

4. Is getting elected in Indian politics the best route to become wealthy?

Being wealthy is not wrong and being paid high or making profits or increasing wealth through proper channels is not a crime, but in my opinion Indian politics is not set up to make the politician rich. If properly run and uncorrupt it does not give a chance for politicians to become rich by dedicating his or her life to politics. So if the assets of the elected representative have increased substantially after we have elected them, then it is common sense for the common man to suspect foul play. We, the people have let the politicians amass wealth so much that they have enough even to bribe the justice to get them bail. How much more money of the common man should get slashed in foreign banks or as benami? Why do the common man of India sit mum and be a mute spectator?

5. Has it become necessary to elect a representative taking his caste or religion into account?

The caste and religion has to be confined to the four walls of my home. In fact many intellectuals are thinking of eradicating caste, but it is unfortunate that the political scenario is digging into the caste and also sub-caste to look for the benefits. They are throwing the leftovers in the name of reservation for the castes and sub-castes to buy us. Why should a religious head influence the voters in electing a candidate? Should not the religious head confine to thier religious practice and just guide the society?

6. Is an elected representative a playboy who can take advantage of the women folk of my country?

When a politician in India is caught misbehaving with a women of my country or has an illicit relationship with a lady the party and its followers believe it is their moral responsibility and bounded duty to protect him. This is ridiculous because the playboy has to be put on trial and if proven guilty pushed behind bars for a minimum of 20 years. Many politicians are already over 80 and might not live to complete the sentence. At least this practice will not encourage others in the pipe line to take it cool with the women folk.

The world is very small and many people of this country are travelling to every nook and corner of this world. We are confronted with things that are good as well as bad. It is up to every individual to accept what is good and in the process try to reform ourselves in particular and the society in general. Have we not passed the times where we can point fingers at our politicians and their misdoings? Are we not so huge to catch them by the collar and give them what they deserve? Is it not the time for us to come out hard on them?

The politicians and diapers should be changed frequently for the same reason…..

Do I have to get into the drain to clean it; does one need to enter politics to clean the mess? A change in the perception about our elected representative should help: Just remember that they are not our rulers they are elected to serve us……

438. Manasa Sarovar, the Lake of Mind…..........

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-slideshow/seekers/mysticism/manasarovar-the-lake-of-mind/20198

Manasa Sarovar is a freshwater lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Hindus believe that Divine Beings bathe here daily. My Mind resembles a still lake until a thought projects itself into it. The moment a thought gets into my mind it resonates just like a small rain drop creates ripples in a lake. The thought that is projected recurs creating more ripples which multiplies to a numerous thoughts and become unstoppable. In fact I can never stop them because unconsciously I keep on adding more and more thoughts until my mind becomes restless.

Restless mind is big problem with too many thoughts it is not easy to subdue. My mind is very fragile and I need to deal with it carefully, just like handling a small innocent child holding a sharp knife. The child will not let go the knife if it is pressurized, instead it holds it tight which could harm it. The tactful way to get the knife is by diverting the attention of the child by giving something more interesting and taking the knife. Mind also works in similar fashion.

Mind associates itself with whatever it finds amazing and interesting. It fails to understand the consequences of that association. It gets engrossed in the association that it does not realize the danger of the involvement. It is just like a dog that is licking the blood on a knife, it would love to lick the blood so much that it won’t know that in the process it has a slit in its own tongue and licking its own blood. Mind like any other sense organs is not easy to control and keep it away effectively from desire. If I am aware and try to control my mind or any sense organ, it seems to obey me for time being, but soon it takes its own course, wandering off. If mind is controlled by force then my intellect has to be on guard to control the mind always. The moment it relaxes; the mind will come back stronger. This is exactly the way children are well disciplined when the teacher is around and remain silent out of fear, once she is out of sight they start making noise. Similarly the mind can be kept in control as long as I practice some technique to control it. But ultimately I will be reduced to being its slave and have to keep a guard on it 24 X 7.

Mind control is the key, but how to do it??? We naturally feel pain when we are hurt; sometimes the pain is not severe if the attention of the mind is diverted. Why is it so???? Mind is the one which feels the pain not the body. Mind is like a kid the more you provoke it the more stubborn it becomes, at the same time if we learn to pacify it then it will heed to all that we say to it. If we have control over our mind then even under the gravest of frustrations it will not be aggravated to anger but will remain calm. In a lake a person is able to see the bottom only if the water of the lake is not murky. If the water of the lake is left undisturbed for some time the bottom of the lake is visible through the crystal clear water. Likewise if my mind is calm I am able to have the vision of my Inner Self. How much ever I meditate if I don’t have the stillness in my mind it will come back to create problems. Stillness of the mind is experienced if I sit in the seat of silence but before doing that my mind has to be clam and under control. Mind can be controlled by mending it tactfully and never by force. If my mind heeds to the words of Intellect instead of my Sense Organs it better and half the battle is won. With such Crystal Clear Mind Divine Beings come to take a dip in it daily …………Isn't it?????

437. Perennial Link between Aspiration, Action and Knowledge....

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/mysticism/perennial-link-between-iccha-kriya-and-jnana-shakti

This entire universe is running on the combination of the three powers namely Iccha Shakti (Power of Aspiration), Kriya Shakti (Power to Action) and Jnana Shakti (Power of Knowledge). If there is lacking in any one of the three, the task cannot be completed. There has to be a perfect harmony among the three. While Jnana Shakti is the power of the Intellect the Iccha Shakti is power of Mind and the Kriya Shakti is the power of the Senses.    
 
Suppose there is an artist who can create wonders on the canvas. One fine morning he stands before the huge canvass to draw. Let us observe what happens? The first and foremost he has the desire to draw a picture; this is Iccha Shakti which is propelled by the Mind. The Mind is in fact the instigator of all actions here. Now what has he got to draw? Obviously he has in him the knowledge about the picture he is going to draw. This knowledge is Jnana Shakti and it is the substratum of Intellect. And ones he has the picture in the mind he needs the motor organ namely hand and the sense organ eye to co-operate and the art is unfolded and comes out as an easy flow. Jnana Shakti is like the pivot to the fulcrum with Iccha Shakti and Kriya Shakti on either side. From where does Jnana Shakti come to him? It is the Dhi Shakti (Power of Absolute) that provides him this knowledge.
 
For instance this computer which I am using to blog has to work on Hardware, Software and power from SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply). Hardware is Kriya Shakti, Software is Iccha Shakti and Power for SMPS is Jnana Shakti. Without the Software (Mind), the Hardware (Senses) is dead and without the Hardware Software is also useless. And both are useless without power in SMPS. So Jnana Shakti is the pivot and the power to SMPS is got by connecting it to Main Power point and this is Dhi Shakti. Connect yourself to the Absolute which is like the Main Power point that provides power to your SMPS so that the Iccha Shakti and Kriya Shakti in you are able to perform well.

How to connect to Absolute??

Our Subconscious mind is like hard disk storage in a computer used to store the programs and data needed to operate with. Conscious mind is like the processor which retrieves the programs and data and processes them to operate our body. While the Conscious and Sub-conscious aspects of our mind are closely aligned with our physical body likened to modem the Super-conscious mind level exceeds beyond our space time range just like getting connected to internet. Now with this connection we are able to interact with people using computers. Likewise with Super-conscious mind we can move our awareness inwards to hear the inner voice of the Absolute and get divine inspiration and guidance. Intuition gets clearer and more powerful at this level.  

However with the Super-conscious connection one need no latest technology that is outside, it is possible for us to connect to every other mind on the planet. This connection is available every minute as it ever has been to anyone and everyone. It is the source of all examples of pure creativity and anything new that is appearing in the universe. This is how Super-conscious mind is tapped into and used by all the great inventors, writers, artists and composers in the world.


If you notice there are two aspects of Super-conscious mind. First aspect is that it is infinite intelligence that governs the whole universe like an internet connection. The second is that it is the collective consciousness of everyone and everything that exist in all levels of reality like supplying power to the SMPS to run the computer.

434. What is Prayer and When should I say my Prayers????

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/faith-and-rituals/what-is-prayer-and-when-should-i-say-my-prayers

When Jeevatma (Individual Consciousness) is aligned with the Parmatma (Absolute Consciousness) the Dhi-Sakthi (Intellect Power) is charged like the way the electronic gadgets gets charged when plugged to the power source. This alignment is Prayer. Prayer has the power to alter the intensity of the consequences which we might have to endure due to our past Karmas. A wise person takes into account the various factors before indulging in any action and for him prayer is the primary action. Taking our limited knowledge and finite vision into account, having a better back up is always a good option. Prayer invokes the grace of the God which can act as a backup. However few may point out that praying might have done nothing ever, but my experience says “maybe if there were no prayer, a lot of other things could have gone wrong.”


Now to the most important question, is it just enough for me to say my Prayers? Will my prayers take care of my actions?


To drive my car I start up the engine by plugging in keys and turning on the ignition. Will the car move forward unless I shift the gears? Prayer without action is like staring my car engine without changing gear. The engine will be firing but my car will not have budge an inch. Having said that praying without getting aligned to Him is like trying to start the engine without filling the fuel, at this the car engine will fail even start.


A retired naval officer was employed to captain a cruise vessel. The cruise had young passengers on pleasure voyage enjoying the journey with Casino, Spa, Hot Tub, Lounge, Club and Gym. Before starting the cruise the old captain started to pray. The young holidaymakers laughed at the old captain when they saw him sit down to pray before starting off to sail.


“Why do you laugh?” asked the old captain.


One of them said, “The day seem to be perfect and the sea is calm. There is no danger for the cruise there is no need to waste time instead you could have started the cruise.” 

The old captain did not say anything.


However they weren't long at sea when a storm suddenly blew up and the cruise began to wobble violently. The wind was strong and the water from the storm hit the deck. The holidaymakers were terrified as the storm continued for hours and it was time they thought they should all pray for safety. Every single person on the cruise was asked to assemble in at the central hall.


Everyone got down to the central hall but the captain was at the wheel house. One of them came to the captain and asked him to join them in prayer.  


Handling the controls he replied, “I say my prayers when the sea and my mind both are calm. When the sea turns turbulent I attend to my ship.”

Prayer will not nullify the negative energy but will definitely provide us the strength to cope with it. 

433. There has to be Transformation not mere Change……!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/there-has-to-be-transformation-not-mere-change

Out of dissatisfaction or frustration with the things and people around, we wish they could change. Almost everyone wants the others to change to suit to their whims and fancies. In work place boss wants his employers to reach targets, while the employee want their boss to be less demanding. Wife wants her husband to listen to her always, while husband would appreciate if his wife would not be nagging. Parents want their children to be obedient and children would love if parents are liberal.

Is there a solution to this problem, if we look deep into this problem the solution is in making a difference in our lower self. There is a subtle difference between change and transformation. Change is something which can come back to original position. Like example the change in weather it is summer now and then it could be rainy or winter. Transformation is an irreversible turn, if it has taken a stand from bad to good it will never revert back to the past position. Hence compared to change transformation has got a permanent label on it. We can say transformation is a permanent change. That transformation has to start with “me.” In fact, the truth is that the major thing that ever needs transformation is in “me.” The moment I truly realize this, transformation happens within me. So to have a permanent change in myself it is important for me to transform within. Transform to what I am deep inside eternally. 

A small example can help us understand: A butterfly lays eggs and the eggs hatch to become caterpillars. But the caterpillar is not a butterfly it has no colorful wings as its parents have. It cannot fly and has many tiny legs to crawl. It has no proboscis like butterfly to suck nectar from flowers instead it has mandibles to nibble the leaves of the same plant. Well, it starts wondering why it was not like its parents and started to contemplate and went into isolation by building a cocoon around it. It mentally thought of the structure that it has in its gene and wanted to transform itself accordingly. With one pointed agenda of becoming a butterfly it gets away from the world and is in solitude. For all its austerities one fine day it comes out as a butterfly exactly like its parents. This is transformation.

We are all kind, gentle and generous inside all it needs is only for us to think and go into contemplation and get transformed into what we truly are…… Am I Right?????

432. Did Krishna instigate Arjuna to Kill in Gita????

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/did-krishna-instigate-arjuna-to-kill-in-gita

It is the blind king Dhritarashtra who uses the word “Dharmakshetra” to refer the land of Kurukshetra. That piece of land which was selected for the Great War was no ordinary landscape. There had been a large number of Yajnas and Yagas performed in that particular venue in the past. Ironically it was to witness the scuffle between Dharma and Adharma represented by Pandavas on one side and Kauravas on the other.

Again as if it was a mystery the mighty warrior Arjuna contemplates on Dharma when it was the time for him to fight the opposition army. He wondered if it was Dharma to wipe out the entire race of Kurus to hold possession of a kingdom. Is it Dharma to kill the teachers who taught warfare, elders who guided the entire life, and relatives who lifted him in the time of glum and celebrate with him in success? Arjuna was a Kshatriya so was Duryodhana and at one stage Duryodhana tells Krishna that he knew everything about Dharma but could not follow and he knew everything about Adharma but could not abandon it.  

What is it that put Arjuna in dilemma? It was the fight between emotions and morality. He concluded that both emotionally as well as on moral grounds it was not correct to erect a kingdom over the heap of dead bodies. This was the reason for him to pull out from war at the crucial moment.

This behaviour of Arjuna was a blessing for the generations to come because it was the reason for the song of the Lord to shape itself to guide the endless generation ahead irrespective of caste and creed. It is not the question of Arjuna alone it is the state of every individual who is in catch 22 situation and hence confused in life about his duties.

In the pretext of giving a sermon on Kshatriya Dharma did Krishna instigate Arjuna to kill??? No, if one gives a thought on what Krishna wants Arjuna to do is to shun “I” ness. With the sense of “I” and “Mine” Dharma cannot be uphold. Protection of Dharma is of utmost duty of a King and hence becoming emotional and showering pity on people who are Adharmic is uncalled for. Even if it is ones own son and found to be going against Dharma he has to be punished by controlling the emotions. “I” and “Mine” is the product of mind. If mind transcend this realm and goes beyond it is only Him. To justify this statement, just after the Vishwaroopa Darshana Krishna tells Arjuna to fight the war as the warriors on the other side have already been slain by Him and he is but an instrument thereof.

If correctly understood Krishna represents Universal Consciousness (Paramatma) while Arjuna represents Individual Consciousness (Jivatma). Being a jivatma, Arjuna was upset because of his affections and attachments. Residing in mind the ego of every individual is equally attached to both the negative as well as positive qualities. Understandably it is in the negativity the ego is puffed up and its presence is felt more. If I look back at the events of my life it is only the unpleasant moments that stays long in my memory because it is there my ego had a strong presence. This is simply because I feel more attached to my own egoistic self. I am in the same level as Arjuna was in the first chapter of Bhagavad-Gita.

Time to wage a war on my inner enemies as advised by my Lord........