648. I have to transcend from Lower Maturity to Higher Maturity!!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/i-have-to-transcend-from-lower-maturity-to-higher-maturity

I am born in this society to do Karma (Action/Work) and through my Karma the network of events unfold and help the society to thrive. My Karma brings to me a feel of happiness if I succeed or make me feel misery if the venture failed. This feel of happiness and misery is always there in my life. In regard to the success of work, I always assume that the feel of happiness is because of the sincerity I and others associated in the work have invested on the work and the misery that was caused, when the project failed, I presume is because of the fault of me or the people associated with the work. The number of times I am happy or have experienced misery depends on the quality of life I live. The quality of life I lived is the experience I have in my life. Experience is the interaction I have had with the people with whom my work takes shape. If the interact with them is good I have good experience if not bad. So for the experience, I and the people who are associated with the work are the two parties. 

For a better interaction with the people associated with the work either I have to change their attitude towards work or I should change mine. Unfortunately I cannot change each and every person associated with me in work and I am fortunate enough to change my attitude towards work. The change in attitude is the change in approach towards work.

How to change the approach towards work????

I have to transcend from Lower Maturity to Higher Maturity!!!!!!

What is Lower and Higher Maturity?????

Thinking that every event is happening because of ME is “Lower Maturity”

Thinking that through me events are happening is “Higher Maturity”

For instance take the project of an IT company. In the project it is the team work that does get the work completed in the stipulated time. The reason for the completion of the project on time is the good communication and appreciation that is present among the Team Members and also their interaction with the Team Leader. In case one member or for the matter if the Team Leader thinks that the project was tabled in time because of his efforts alone then it is lower maturity of that individual. By saying so will not the individual be sending negative signals to the team?????

Just as how communication and appreciation is important for the team to get inspired, criticizing and being critical will help the team to get out of the flaws. Firing inefficient team members is as required as praising those who put sincerity in work, but from the upper surface not from the core. Anything that rattles the core in me will just bring stress in me. Showing dissatisfaction towards the inefficient worker in my team should be my intention and not to get myself agitated and lose my temper in the process. Understanding this is moving from lower maturity to higher maturity………What say????? 

647. If He is realized Inside, He is as Everything Outside!!!!!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/god-and-i/if-he-is-realized-inside-he-is-as-everything-outside

An old woman who had spent 60 years of her life span gracefully walked along side her granddaughter of 13 to the nearby park. This was routine every evening for them after the granny shifted to U.S to live with her son. As they were on the way to the park they had to pass by a temple. It was the same time when devotees inside the temple would sing Bhajans and do Aarti to the deity.

“Dadi Maa, is God deaf why do people have to shout at the peak of their voice?” asked the young lass.

“Munni, the Bhajans even though is about the deity it is not for the deity it is for the devotee himself. If you listen to the lyrics of the Bhjanas you can know that they contain words glorifying the Lord referring to the great deeds and kindness of the Lord. And would it not be stupid if they are telling about His greatness to Him.” replied the old man.

“Dadi Maa, don’t these people have a puja room in their house, why do they have to come here?” asked the little girl.

“Yes, they do have a place to worship in their houses as we have. But some visit temples to as they feel His presence there. It is so because we humans need to keep our faith on something so that we can act upon it as our base and flourish from there. We have concluded in our mind that if faith is sincere it never fails us.” said the old woman.

“Dadi Maa, so if one has sincere faith in God, will God grant all that one wishes for?” asked the young girl innocently.

“He may or may not. See Munni, things do not happen as you have wanted it. Has it always turned out to be as you wished for in your school? No, I suppose. These people in the temple are asking for something in their prayers. Some of the prayers may be answered and some might not!”

“Why then do they pray if they know that their prayers may or may not be answered?” the young lass asked curiously.

“Exactly it is here the faith does play a major role. Faith is when you do not have an iota of doubt. It is known that in our lives there are many questions which do not have answers. It is important to move on with those unanswered questions and for it to happen we need strength. Faith provides us that strength and also teaches us to accept the unexpected and move on.” explained the granny.

“Ok Dadi Maa, do you like God even if you do not get what you have asked from Him? What has He given you?” asked the little girl.

“Why your Mummy does not give all that you ask for and that does mean you do not love her? As far as I am concerned God is in me, guiding and supporting me always. It is the best grace He has bestowed on me.”

“But Dadi Maa, I have not seen you going to temple or even praying to Him.”

“You are right I do not need to go in search of Him I can get His grace by living and nurturing life to the best of my ability. I believe in loving all His creation and spreading love. He is comfortable with the way I am leading the life. That’s it.”

As they both walked back home, Lord inside her as “Antaryami” was smiling at the conversation that He had just heard…….!

646. The Power of Attentive Uncontaminated Mind (AUM)...!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/the-power-of-attentive-uncontaminated-mind-aum

“Shraddhavan labhate Jnanam” (Those who are attentive can only imbibe knowledge). Being attentive is like acquiring inquisitiveness without any deviation. This attentiveness can land us in a wrong field also; hence we need to be aware of which Preya (Pleasant) is and which is Shreya (beneficial), so that we do not land up in a field of ambiguity. Mostly we adore both Preya and Shreya, which is the reason that we are terribly torn between them. Instead of blending all our energies into one direction, we squander them by being pulled into two opposite directions. We make a resolution to stay away from oily and fried food, but no sooner our eyes falls on them our resolution takes the back seat and we munch right into them. Although we regret it later, it just adds more problems because now we have guilt also to defend. To stick to resolutions one need to have an Attentive Uncontaminated Mind (AUM).

Attentive Uncontaminated Mind is the mental state without judicious, emotional and self attached thoughts. With attachment and ego a person may be clever at being selfish, but he is never wise as it keeps the mind wavering always. Most of our malevolence desires usually come out from contaminated and wavering mind. A thought to purify our mind hardly ever comes to us probably because we do not consider it as one of the determining factor for success.

 A person is in need of certain thing and do not know where he can purchase them, but if he has an exact idea of what he is looking for will amazingly land in the shop where the thing he is looking for is in the shelf kept to be sold. Maybe that object he is looking for might not be available elsewhere other than that shop into which he has steeped in. It is his mind which has landed him there. I suppose many of us have experienced this situation where in, that which we would want will be right in front of us. It happens only when at the time of consideration our mind is unadulterated with unwanted thoughts.

 While in Chicago, USA, to attend the World Parliament of Religion in 1893, Swami Vivekananda happened to see a group of young boys trying to shoot egg shells floating in the river below from the bridge. They were firing from their air gun many times but none were able to hit the target. Swami Vivekananda stood there watching them with keen interest and one of the boys asked him whether he wished to try to shoot them. 

Swami Vivekananda took the air gun focused on the egg shells for some time and fired at them a number of times. To the amazement of the young boys every bullet that was fired hit the target. 

The young boys were stunned and asked Swami Vivekananda with all wonder, “Sir, where did you learn to shoot so accurately?” 

Swami Vivekananda replied, “To be frank this is the first time I have handled a gun in my life. If you are wondering how I could hit the target I will tell you the secret: your teacher taught you to shoot while my teacher taught me how to concentrate. Concentration comes when the mind is attentive and uncontaminated with unnecessary thoughts.”

It is today in 1863 Pushya Bhahula Saptami Swamy Vivekananda appeared to guide the young.....I bow to that Divine Energy. 

645. The Singer Saint who preferred only Lord Rama......!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/faith-and-rituals/the-singer-saint-who-preferred-only-lord-rama?track=cntshgp&sort=new

“Encash your talent” a commercially inclined mind says, and if there is a fountain of talent there is a person who would want to take charge and manage things.

When the King of Tanjavur heard about the composer and singer Tyagaraja he wished to have him in the palace and give a concert. Tyagaraja had been scrupulously avoiding public concerts and was singing only for his Lord Rama. His elder brother, Japyesa felt Tyagaraja was foolish and did not know the subtle knack of making money by using talent as investment. However he convinced the King and promised that he would bring Tyagaraja to the court to sing for the King. As was the tradition the King sent lots of gifts, and a palanquin to Tyagaraja’s house.

Japyesa thought that Tyagaraja would accept the offer and this was the start of a luxurious life for him. But that was not the way it happened, Tyagaraja rejected the offer and in anguish began to sing a wonderful song that begins with the words, “Tell me, O Mind! Which is better? Money and Fame or simply to be in the presence of Lord Rama?” Why did Tyagaraja reject the luxurious life? Simply because he was already in safe hands of the King of Kings Lord Rama.  

Japyesa became furious at what he regarded as Tyagaraja’s utter stupidity. When Tyagaraja was not at home he threw the idol of Shri Rama that Tyagaraja adored and worshipped every day into river Kaveri in a fit of anger. “Do not reduce God into an idol but elevate the idol to God.”- This was what Tyagaraja had literally believed in, for him it was not merely an idol but Rama personified. Thus came a testing time for the ardent devotee – a period of unbearable separation from the Lord. It is in this period Tyagaraja composed some unforgettable gems which reflected the intense grief and agony of separation.

Singer Saint Tyagaraja was born in 1767 in Thiruvaiyaru in Tanjavur district. He was not only an eminent composer in classical music but also a philosopher. He was an extraordinary personality born to teach humanity through music. He displayed his devotion through music. In one of his compositions he reiterates Rama as the provider of BLISS to the world (Jagadananda Karaka).

In spite of being an expert in Sanskrit he composed thousands of kritis in Telugu and a few in Sanskrit also. He made use of 200 ragas to compose different kritis. Even with such a lot of talent this singer composer saint is so modest when he composed “Endaro Mahanubhavulu Andariki Vandanamulu” (There are many great people and i bow to all of them)

Today is Pushaya Bahula Panchami and it was on this day the great saint attained samadhi. Every year on this day lakhs of carnatic musicians gather at his samadhi situated at the banks of river Kaveri at Thiruvaiyaru, Tanjavur district, to sing songs composed by him. It is a largest congregation of musicians from all over the world.  Many compositions like Sadhichane O Manasa (Oh Mind!! He has achieved His objective), Dudukugala Nanne Dora Koduku Brochuraa Yentho {Will the Kings Son (Rama) save me from being arrogant?}, Samayaniki Tagu Mataladene {He (Rama) spoke tuning his words as per the occasion}, Jagadananda Karaka (Provider of bliss to the world), Endaro Mahanubhavulu (Many great noble people in this world) are harmonically rendered.  

It is heavenly to listen to those compositions in chorus……Just Heavenly…..!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rsI17n6i3E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PWsV80aL-g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CutL6Ccw97M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYFkrOKZ-8M



I sincerely thank Sri Ranganathan Srinivasan for uploading it on Youtube

644. Stop Judging and Try Understanding………..

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/stop-judging-and-try-understanding?track=cntshgp&sort=new

To judge someone we need just a second but to understand them we need a lot of time. “Face is the index of the Mind” this famous phrase asks me to keep my face pleasant and presentable to others. It does not say judge a persons mind by looking at the face. To know ones mind an entire life time is not enough, just a mere look in the face will not help know what is in the mind. When I judge you I stop myself from understanding you and I may often get misguided also. Hence to have a good and long lasting relationship with my family and friends, I need to stop judging and start understanding them to the core. All that appears on the surface is cannot be true. On the surface everything might look derisive or deceiving.

In this life span of mine I have remain differently in all the stages as child, teenager, young adult, and now as a middle aged. There was innocence as child, freshness of approach in my teenage, mental maturity as a young adult, intellectual growth and emotional stability has developed in me over the years. I was not the same all the time, likewise to know a person, I need to persist in understanding the person over a period of time and let go my judgmental attitude.  

A Guru had four disciples who lacked maturity and wisdom. He wanted them to learn how to understand events and people and stop making quick judgments. So he sent them out to go and observe at a huge mango tree which grew at a great distance near a mountain one by one.

The first disciple went in the winter season, the second was there during the spring, the third trekked in summer and the fourth camped there before the fall. At the end of the year Guru called them together and asked them to describe what they had observed about the mango tree.

The first disciple said that the mango tree was without beauty, twisted and distorted. There was nothing great to talk about it and the long journey to observe the tree was a wasteful venture.

The second disciple objected to the first and said he was a blind fellow not to observe the light green leaf and buds which had an alluring fragrance. It was a symbol of a great future.  

The third disciple said that the mango tree was magnificent and full of leaves and green mangoes. There were naughty squirrels and parrots which took shelter in its greenery. To sleep under the shades of the tree and feel the cool breeze was like heaven. Perhaps the two disciples failed to observe the full truth of the reality of the mango tree.

The last disciple said all his co-disciples were idiots and born blind as they could not see the tree bent with the luscious golden fruits and they lack the art of appreciation and were fools not to have enjoyed the rich ripe mangoes.

Just then an explosion broke out between the disciples each one calling the other names and claiming what he saw to be true. Guru intervened and said what all of them had observed was right and true. He added that though what each explained was true, it was incomplete as they had seen only one season of the tree’s life. He explained to them that it is not possible or right to judge a tree or a thing or a person by one season only......What say???

643. Heart finds solace in revering Absolute and Forgetting Pain.

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/heart-finds-solace-in-revering-absolute-and-forgetting-pain

“Pain is nothing but a specific programmed response by our body to certain specific inputs. If the program were to be a little different the pain would not be there at all”...... writes one of my friend and fellow seeker Sri Kishor Ananth Kulkarni in his blog “Look at Life as if its a Movie”. http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/philosophy/look-at-life-as-if-its-a-movie 

I wondered how would that program be different, can I alter that specific program? Yes, Kishor Kulkarni ji I had read that a research was conducted by Oxford University on some people. There were a few Roman Catholics and a few Atheists who were given electric shock with a portrait of Virgin Mary. Those who had belief on Virgin Mary could block the pain as they had their active part of the brain revering the portrait. It was concluded that when the Mind was busy adoring the portrait there was an inner strength induced to withstand the pain in the Roman Catholics as they felt they were “Safe” and Virgin Mary would take care.

Though one of the team members felt that similar effect could be expected by the atheist if the portrait of the Virgin Mary was replace by the one whom the atheist would revere like their mother or father or even wife and children whom they love. This justified the presence of the religious images in the hospitals where the patient gains inner strength to fight the disease. And it is simpler to have them as Absolute is the same for all.    

The notions that “everything that happens has a reason” as in the Karma Siddhanta (Law of Destiny) or that disasters are “Will of Absolute” as in Dharma Shastra (Science of Righteousness) are forms of solace that can give the believer an instant relief from the situation but if one need to have a permanent solution he need to know how specific inputs effect our mind. The pre-frontal cortex of the brain is the area where pain-related activity is felt as it is the place where emotional behaviour is expressed. Rumination and mindfulness are being studied to be some ways of reducing suffering from pain. Even interest in religious and social activities or listening to melodious music can reduce pain. 

Persisting pain is often linked to seemingly endless and meaningless suffering and sometime pushed of by associating it with Prarabdha Karma Phala (Resultant matured fruits of past life deeds ). The pain is suffering of the mind not that of the physical body and involves a complex interaction between emotions such as fear, guilt, rage, and misery. It is inevitable to avoid pain, but our mind can be diverted to reduce the suffering though. Spirituality is a basic human phenomenon that can and does influence the mind and help keep the sense of well-being.

Spirituality is an essential aspect of being human which is difficult to comprehend or gauge by using science. Although there are evidences to convincingly prove that spirituality has a valuable role in practice of medicine, it is for the individual to understand that spirituality hold the most beneficial trait on health and well-being. Charaka Samhita, the world's oldest medical compilation on Ayurveda suggest that optimistic attitude by the patient about getting well is half work done and for this to happen the patient has to have the sense of connecting with the Absolute to get inner strength, comfort, love and peace which he can obtain by nurturing his relationship with Self and nature.

642. What is pain? Can we find means to overcome it? If so, How?

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/what-is-pain-can-we-find-means-to-overcome-it-if-so-how

In ancient times when a saint or a seer blessed a person he used to utter “Tripida Pariharostu” (May you be rid of the three pains/troubles). Lets understand what those three pains that we humans have to endure are? What are the causes for it? 

There are three kinds of Pida (pain) that we humans face and they are Adhyatmika, Adhibhutika and Adhidaivika. 

Adhyatmika Pida (Pain due to one's own body and mind) is problems that are related to one's own self. These maybe physical and mental issues that one person has to deal within like diseases, trauma, anger, frustrations, envy etc.

Adhibhutika Pida (Pain due to other living beings) is imposed on one due to circumstances involving people maybe his family members, relatives or friends and events that come as part of one's Prarabdha Karma Phala (Resultant matured fruit of past birth deeds) like accidents, human contacts, pollution, crime etc.

Adhidaivika Pida (Pain due to natural circumstances) are those beyond our control which are caused by nature and may affect whole of the society like Tsunami, Earthquake, Volcanoes, and such Natural Calamities.

If one look into this on the surface he understands that all the three types of pains are inevitable and he has to experience it and move on. But further if he goes deeper into this he will find that he has no role in the one caused due to one his own self doing and categorized as Adhyatmika and the one which is beyond his control which are caused by nature and called Adhidaivika. 

Now the other is Adhibhutika which are due to circumstances involving people maybe his family members, relatives or friends. Here some thought could be given.

Well, now I am seeing in from the other dimension, why should I be the cause of Adhibhutika to others??? Why should I be the cause of pain to others? If we analyze it is the pain that has the root cause for others causing more stress and strain in the society. The pains caused by Adhyatmika (self) and by Adhidaivika (nature) are little and can I say it will have a huge impact only once and for all, but the Adhibhutika is very minute and will cause pain daily.

Two people may face same amount of pain, yet the experience and intensity of the pain is felt differently by the two. While one may get agitated and counter react, the other may not even feel it at all. It is all in the mind and what matters is the way we take it. Pain is never felt in the physical level but only at the mental level. Hence they use painkillers in case of casualty and anesthesia in surgeries. I have understood that the pain caused by others has a time frame it comes and it goes, if I am ready to let it go. If I want the pain to hoard like a treasure and won’t let it go it is with me forever as an unhealed wound. In this society where everyone wants the other person to be perfect, I seek that in my self without trying to find that in others. This awareness has set in the sense of responsibility and wants me not to harm or hurt others feelings. If I am aware that I am the cause of pain to others and can avoid being a source of pain then my conscience tells me to act in a much better way.

If every individual starts to think that he is not going to hurt others this earth plane will be a much safer and better place to live...... What say?????

641. Let’s Mould Our Character Not Just Build Reputations………

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/lets-mould-our-character-not-just-build-reputations

Pratishtha (Reputation) is what most of the individuals are more concerned about. It is the opinion of others about what we are and our intention behind what we do. It is purely what others think about us. Hence it has become much more important for an individual to worry about the reputation. Reputation is a build up for the witnesses and is for a short time. It gets a beating when it is defamed or will get inflated when appreciated.

Charitra (Character) is what we are, when there is no one watching us. An individual with a crystal clear Character does not wither to any insult or will never get puffed-up for any praise. He remains like a huge boulder without getting distracted.

Spirituality plays a definite role in Character moulding. It is a guide to help an individual to act and interact with the people around. They are like the road maps that guide us to act and move with others in the world. Character unfolds itself when there is no rules and regulations in a circumstance, in terms of behaving. 

Reputations depend on the moods of the others, hence they appear and disappear, but the Character of a person is eternal and sticks to him till the end of his life span. 

Reputations are like creepers that grow taking the support of the huge tree called Character; therefore the tree is more important than the creeper.  

Scriptures Say:

 “Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits, for they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

Yes, it is the Character that makes the destiny not the Reputation. An individual who is concerned of his Character has an open mind and will allow people to talk and tries to listen and understand them. While a person who is behind the reputation seldom allows others to talk but want to prove himself worthy and sees to it they are convinced. 

Reputation is what mortals think of us; Character is what Immortals know about us. 

640. Progress is for one who believes in themselves!!!!!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/progress-is-for-one-who-believes-in-themselves

A man who was reading news paper in his garden found a cocoon of a butterfly. He got curious and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole at the end. The man out of kindness decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily, but it had a swollen body and small shrunken wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly and expected that at any moment the wings would enlarge and expand and the butterfly would fly away, but it did not happen so! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shrunken wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were nature's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that its body would become slim and the wings get the strength to flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Nothing on earth is given to man without a bit of struggle which is the nature of life. He is the winner who lets no obstacle prevent him from pursuing the goals he has chosen. We are never weak if we make use of the means which God of Nature has placed in our power properly.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need for progress in our life. Normally parents would not like their wards to struggle and try to help them. This help given has a limit and beyond that limit it is their struggle which will take them to new heights. If nature allowed us to go through our life without any struggles, it would cripple us at most delicate times. Progress sometimes comes without struggle also but if we struggle a bit for it, it would be like a pinch of salt added and then success would taste better.......Do you agree????      

639. This Blog too shall Pass On………!

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/this-blog-too-shall-pass-on

Once Akbar asked Birbal, “Could you give me one sentence which when a happy person reads it, feels unhappy and when an unhappy person reads it, he feels happy?”

Wise Birbal quickly replied, “This too shall pass on!”
 

When I keenly examining life I have found that it is a bit amazing. I feel all of you will agree when I say joyfulness today and miserable the next is the order of life. This unpredictability has made life exciting as well as challenging at the same time. I have been experiencing this in my private life as well as in my career and have found out that nothing is constant here.  

I had written in one of my blogs that life is a roller-coaster ride sometimes up and moving slowly and the very next moment comes down with great speed. That is what life is all about. Sometimes a great work with good intention boomerangs with negative outcome while those who have evil intention have succeeded. There was a time when such consequences would puzzle me as I have witnessed people with good intentions often suffered. After I got to know about the “Law of Karma” I understood that life will go on its way, independent of what I think and do. This wisdom made me move on without affecting my emotional stability. It is very much necessary to understand this reality.

When I identify myself with my relationships, possessions, body, mind, work, position which are external to me I am emotionally attached to them. And this attachment is one of the main causes for the stress to build up in me. When I depend more on these attachments I often become unbalanced as I prefer one role over the other and there is control issue which again adds up to the stress in me. The roles I don in my life have to be for my survival and enjoyment of my existence, but why have I made it to be the root cause of my stress???

This question persist me until I got to know the utterance of Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 2 Verse 14 where He says to Arjuna thus:

“Contact of the senses with their objects generates cold and heat, pleasure and pain. They come and go, being impermanent. Bear with them patiently, O scion of the Bharata race!”

Accordingly everything good and bad, pleasure and pain, approval and disapproval, achievements and failure, fame and shame all come and go. Everything in life has a beginning and an ending too that is how it is supposed to be. All the experiences I have had and every thought I have had has a start and has to have an end. My mood experiences happiness, sorrow, desire, depression, anger, love, pride, and every other unimaginable emotional feel. I always wondered where all those emotions come from. Does it have its birth from my impressions (Samskara)? While I believe it is due to my Samskara some may not agree with me, even if I am correct or other who think otherwise are correct, eventually, everything has to pass on.

Even this blog and its responses irrelevant of whether they are far or against shall pass on. Tomorrow there will be another thought and another blog expressed. By keeping this wonderful awareness close to my heart, it is possible for me to maintain my perspective, even if I need to face adversities in life……. Do you agree with me????

638. When I started to observe my Ego, I learnt some Secrets....

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/when-i-started-to-observe-my-ego-i-learnt-some-secrets

Ego can never be dropped just like that; it is the identity tag which my mind and thereafter my body possesses. I know that I cannot drop it so I thought let me just keep a watch on it. The more I watched it the more accomplished I became. Suddenly I realized that it has to simply drop and when it drops by itself only then does it drop. I understood that there is no other way I can influence Ego to drop instead let it happen by itself. If my mind tries to subdue it then in the process I will be only strengthening its root. If I strengthen its root it becomes harder for it to drop. 

If I do not nurture it then it drops just like a dead leaf which decays after the fall. In fact I have done nothing at all for it to drop; it has simply disappeared for the REAL CENTER to arise. And that REAL CENTER is what some call Soul, Self, God, Absolute Consciousness and Truth, though everyone knows well that it is nameless and formless. Since it is nameless and formless every name and form suites it. One can give any name and form as one likes and it fits it well.

My separate identity that I exist individually is the root cause of Ego. Yes, the “I” is the birth of my Jiva Chaitanya (Individual Consciousness) but there is no hard and fast rule for it to survive individually discarding its alignment with Brahma Chaitanya (Absolute Consciousness) which is referred to as the REAL CENTER. Ego is just an identity of the body not mind. Mind is very daring it goes to any extent to counter any hurdles while Ego is very meek it will make its present felt in the time of misfortune. When some tragedy strikes Ego is the first to go into hiding. But it gives strength to the mind at other times like any challenge or confrontation. All strength that I have at that time comes from my Ego and this strength is termed as Will Power. 

Modern society triggers the Ego and it has become a place where Ego is pampered so that the competition is always there among us. In the current situation it has now started from educational institution itself and that too from kid level. Look at the way in which the fire called Ego is kindled in those little minds, now it is only “Who has done it first?” or “Who is the best?” The young minds are made to say “I am first” or “I am the best.” In ancient system of education it was never so every child was first of its own kind and had the best in it which was tapped and nurtured.

Ego (Ahamkara) is necessary to make me (body and mind) to feel like a King, but only if my Intellect (Buddhi) is the wise minister and mind (Manas) a PRO. If this is how the Ahamkara, Buddhi and Manas are associated with each other then most of the time my mind alone is dominant with right directives from Intellect. If I let Ego to be dominant then mind cannot approach or heed the intellect. Intellect appears only if the mind approaches it and it show my mind how to go about and after that, mostly it is my mind which takes the lead and moves on….Am I right?????

637. Fond Farewell 2014 Hearty Welcome 2015!!!!

We are leaving behind 2014 and it will only be in our memory again never in reality. 2014 was just a phase slot in the time. I could only preserve some pleasant memories from it, I could not cling on to those pleasant experiences which I had in that stipulated time span. Even so were those experiences in 2014 which I do not wish to have a repeat of it again in 2015. In total there were some memorable moments as well as some trivial moments which I had to endure. It would be my shear foolishness to think that what I enjoyed in abundance in those times in 2014 could be brought forward into 2015. But I can hope that the radiance of abundance could always be there in 2015. 

Abundance is the joy I strive for when I aspire to have and be enough. I need to know that enough is never attained, it is only ever experienced and hence after 2014 there is 2015.  

Abundance has its reputation in its very nature to overflow. Living in abundance is the practice of letting overflow what I have. I need to ask myself what I have let to overflow into world outside me in 2014. If there is any I need to be aware if it has benefited my fellow beings, if it has then I should hope to continue it in the year 2015 as well. To overflow whatever I intend to let off I have to see that the lid of my overhead tank is kept ajar.  

Life in 2014 has provided me a lot and I need to thank it for whatever I have assimilated, and now I need to keep myself ready to accept what it has to offer in 2015.

Wish You, Your Family and Your Friends a Blissful New Year…..

636. Physical health or Mental health?

http://www.speakingtree.in/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/physical-health-or-mental-health

Our body and mind is concept of a single system. The health of both is unquestionably vital to lead a happy life. We can compare our body to a vehicle. Let us suppose we are planning to go on a weekend picnic say 250 kms in a vehicle, don’t we check the air pressure, radiator coolant, make sure we have stepney tyre? Only if these precautions are taken our journey is smooth, likewise in the journey of life our body has to be taken care to complete the journey without any hassles.

As the vehicle is important to the journey so also the driver is important. With all the precautions of the vehicle are taken care, it is important that the driver should be stable to drive. If the vehicle is the body the mind is its driver. In fact the amazing design of the providence is that the mind is sent along with the body. The driver comes with the vehicle we have to cope with the driver not for just one destination but our entire journey of life there is no option to change the driver. 

We look after our body so well but have not thought that it is mental health that is as important as the physical health. We have seen many people who in spite of their physical deformity have excelled in doing unimaginable achievements. It is not the physical well-being alone but it is mental willingness that creates unimaginable events.


Here are some of the tips to keep Mind Healthy: 

Not to entertain unwanted thoughts.

Not to compare ourselves with others. 

To mind our own business.  

To be contented with what we have. 

Have harmony in our thought, word and deed. 

Learn to accept gain/loss, praise/blame in equanimity. 


How can a seeker be mentally and physically fit?

When he treads the path of Spirituality the seeker is in the brim of both Mental and Physical Health. With both Mental and Physcial Health in balance it is easy to sit in the Seat of Silence..................am i right?????

635. The Power of Youth......

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/are-the-youth-of-today-using-themselves-to-full-potential

“Robust” would be the better word to describe the youth of today. But that zeal is not let to explode as the elders fear the consequences. Agreeably that outburst of the zeal can induce negative trait also, but with a little guidance it can be channelized towards positive ventures. When closely observed parents of an adolescent would want their children to follow them rather than letting them become leaders. This takes toll on the innovative and creative side of the youth; they are stopped to use their potential and not let them think outside the box.

Such youth unfortunately take up the parents’ identity as the identity of the self rather than having individuality in life. If they are asked to present their views in a group they avoid and resist, and worst they apt to retreat and push their friend forward who eventually does the same. Even though they have a lot of ideas they are unable to put them forward as they have been conditioned so in their home by their parents. Some parents out of extreme love would not let them experiment and put a boundary of safety around the young which leads to such situations.

That boundary of safety does not let the youth to experience, understand or know the self, which is the main cause for the lack of self-confidence which is the sustaining tool of the self. With the understanding of self and having self-confidence there is no place for insecurity feel. They develop a unique way of thinking and a way of carrying themselves, an excellent mixture of these makes them a charismatic leaders and great personalities. These are not taught in schools, it is for the parents to let the younger generation experiment themselves with a close distant watch of course.

Schools and colleges emphasizes more on academic gradation which only wants the young to participate in the process of knowing the subject and puking out all that is known on the answer sheet on the day of examination to get good grades. Educational institutions put more significance to the academic achievement rather than character development amongst adolescents, and amazingly some parents have also given a green signal to this custom.

Parents of the today’s youths need to make them understand the basic values of life and help them develop principles and explain  to them the advantages of standing firm on principles. Only when this happens the young would have an appealing character which is a must quality for leadership. A little guidance from parents and well wishers and a small pat on the shoulder on the discovery of a new experience will give more space for creativity in them. There is overall progress in maturity and a well-balanced mind, which sustain them towards being a charismatic personality.

Parent’s duty does not end at providing the resources for the development of the young. Obtaining great knowledge does not act as an indicator to having a well-balanced mind, but possessing an absolutely spotless character along with the knowledge contributes to a brilliant personality. Having an encyclopedia in the book shelf and the ability to use an encyclopedia is two different things ..........…What say?????

634. They are Interconnected Lets not Miss the Link……………

In our factory yesterday we were using the hoist crane with linked chains to lift the weight of around 1000 kgs. While our operator was pulling the chain I happened to observe that the each link of chain had to get interlocked with the knot for the work load to be pulled up. On observing this a thought came to my mind, it was that even though I may be not be moving further on my spiritual path due to my Prarabdha Karma Phala (resultant karma)  I need not worry. All I have to do is to pull the link of the chain one at a time so that I can elevate exactly as the load which came up.

Link of the chain should be perfect and there should be a continuous effort without stop. I have the will I can excel and fulfill the purpose of life and the interconnected link are thus:

We perform actions which may be right or wrong. 

If they are wrong we have committed mistakes and for that we have remorse.

Remorse bring sufferings got from guilt.

Guilt is because of fear.

Fear is because of lack of compliance.

Compliance can be obtained by disciplining ourselves.

If there is discipline in everything we do it becomes a ritual.

Ritual unfolds culture.

Culture breeds manners.

Manners teach ethics.

Ethics ingrains empathy, from empathy we are accustomed to compassion.

Compassion gives humility, and from humility one has patience with which comes endurance.

Endurance imparts fortitude, from fortitude there is enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm supplies dedication, from dedication one learns sincerity.

Sincere person is reliable, a reliable person has consistence.

Consistency is dependability and hence loyal.

A loyal person is always certain and firm.

Firmness flowers steadfastness.

Steadfast person is simple and principled hence liked by all. Such a person has happiness of everlasting nature so he is always cheerful.

Cheerful person is fulfilled hence is not attached or attracted to any thing. He is dispassionate to unwanted wantons.

Dispassionate person that he is makes him contented.

Contentment gets him satisfaction.

Satisfied person has a clear mind.

Clear mind is clarity in thoughts.

Clarity in thoughts flourishes open-mindedness.

With an open mind he is non judgmental.

Being non judgmental is willingness to take information.

Information is knowledge.

From knowledge intelligence grows, from intelligence one is wise.

Wisdom enables one to discriminate.

Discrimination sets us vision with it we set goals and we have a mission.

For a mission there is action.

Action gives us experience.

Experience generates perfection.

Perfection induces excellence in us.

Excelling is all we have to look for and that is the purpose of our life. 

Was I right in thinking so???????????