What is worry

'What is worry?' "Whether things go  right or wrong we  worry.  

There is nothing more corrosive to our self-esteem than worry.  

'A man went to his Guru looking worried and upset. 

The Guru asked him, ‘What’s the matter? You look very worried about something.’ 

The man said, ‘My wife and I had a fight and she told me that she wouldn’t talk to me for a month.’ 

The Guru consoled him, ‘It’s okay. One month isn’t that long.’ 

The man said, ‘I know. The month is up today!’ '

See everyone has his or her own set of worries! 

If I ask you what you worry about, you will tell me, ‘I don’t  have  a job, that’s my worry.’ 

If we ask your neighbor they will say,  ‘My job is my main worry!’  

Someone else will say,  ‘My children are my worry.’ 

Another person will say,  ‘I don’t  have  children,  that’s my  worry!’ 

One person’s dream is another person’s  worry! You will not find any logic in it at all. 

So What  is meant by  ‘worry’? 

Worry arises whenever things are not happening as you want them to happen. 

It is the discrepancy between your expectations and reality.  

For example, you feel your son should stay at home with you, whereas he feels he should be by  himself, away  from you. 

You feel your salary should be a few thousand dollars more.  Your boss feels otherwise. 

You want to finish your project by a certain time. But things are happening too slowly and it seems an impossible task. 

These are all causes for worry.  

What  you  want and expect does not match what others want and expect. 

You continuously expect things to happen in a certain way.  

Whether it is as big as your career or as small as what time your husband should come home for a meal, you continuously impose your will upon what is happening and worry about it."

~Sri Nithyananda Swamiji

Never Quit

ONE DAY WHEN I DECIDED TO QUIT

To quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality… I wanted to quit my life.I went to the woods to have one last talk with God

“God”, I asked,

“Can you give me one good reason not to quit?”

His answer surprised me…

“Look around”, He said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”

“Yes”, I replied.

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.

I gave them light.I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth.

Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.In the second year, the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.

And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.

“In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.

In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit.” He said.

“Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant…But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.”

He asked me. “Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots”.

“I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you.”

“Don’t compare yourself to others.” He said.”The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.” “Your time will come”, God said to me.

“You will rise high”.

“How high should I rise?” I asked.

“How high will the bamboo rise?” He asked in return.

“As high as it can?” I questioned.”Yes.” He said, “Give Me glory by rising as high as you can.”

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you. Never, Never, Never, Give up.

Navgraha

Navagrah Pooja

The great Indian yogi Paramahamsa Yogananda said, “Man is born on that day and that moment when his individual fate is in perfect mathematical harmony with the progress of the stars in heaven”. How the planets are placed in ones horoscope at the time of birth determines the good and bad effects of ones life and the time of their effect. In every horoscope some planets are well placed and some are badly placed. Hence we go through success and failures, happiness and sorrows in various aspects of life in different time slots in varying degrees. Certain planetary conflagrations give rise to strong negative effects called “Doshas”. The Vedic scriptures and the astrology scriptures prescribe various poojas to ward off the negative influence of the planets and to improve the benefic effects.

‘Nava’ means nine. ’Graha’ means planets. As per Vedic Astrology, there are nine planets that influence our lives. The position of planet at the time of human birth will have influence on his actions and reaction to different situations in his life. Every Life as it is has its ups and downs. With there is improper planetary alignment for an individual it is called as a “dosha” or negative influence. Due to these “Navagraha doshas” people fall into depression and certain low moods. This low period may last for some period based on the power of the planet. However this can be averted with intelligence. Connecting to the cosmic intelligence to avert any hindrances in life and to bestow tremendous peace and success in life, Navagraga pooja is conducted.

You might have noticed that as the Moon grows (Purinma) in first half of the month, the waves in the Ocean rises and their aggression will subsides as we approach no moon day (Amavasya) According to this vedic science, these planets and their positions, will have influence on human body and mind.  

Navagraha Puja 

Navagraha Puja is a Vedic ritual which produces tremendous positive energy, and helps people to gain courage to face any situation in their lives. The Vedic ritual performed traditionally for these nine planets (Navagrahas) dilutes the negative influences and infuses peace and prosperity. With the blessing of these nine planets, human being can attain good health, wealth, prosperity, Education and Knowledge. Navagraha Pooja is a collection of powerful rituals performed to the idols.

Navagraha Homa

Homa is fire ritual and an intense spiritual practice which becomes powerful meditation technique when performed with devotion. We invoke the cosmic energy and visualize it in the fire.  Offerings to the deity are offered through the fire.   

‘Nava’ means nine. ’Graha’ means planets. As per Vedic Astrology, there are nine planets that influence our lives. The position of planet at the time of human birth will have influence on his actions and reaction to different situations in his life. Every Life as it is has its ups and downs. With there is improper planetary alignment for an individual it is called as a “dosha” or negative influence. Due to these “Navagraha doshas” people fall into depression and certain low moods. This low period may last for some period based on the power of the planet. However this can be averted with intelligence. Connecting to the cosmic intelligence through fire ritual and to avert any hindrances in life and to bestow tremendous peace and success in life, Navagraga Homa is conducted. 

With Navagraha homa not only the doshas with the body but the space in which the ritual happens and the people who attend the ritual will all be benefited and blessed. Through this homa when done as a personal spiritual practice, the energy is brought from the nirvanic to the physical layer through all subtle layers and radiate. This homa ritual not only helps in spiritual growth but with the offerings it radiates and heals the space and the others who attend this fire ritual. 

The following is the brief explanation about each graha and its influence on human kind. 

Surya (Sun)

Surya or Sun is the most powerful living God - whom everyone can see, perceive and pray. Presiding deity of this planet is God Siva.  Sun bestows good health and prosperity.

Chandra (Moon)

Moon is the planet, which rules over mind and gives success. Chandra or Moon is a lovable God - Pleasing to the children as well as elders, universally appealing to everyone whatever may be the religion. Goddess Parvathi rules the planet. 

Moon is considered as very important planet for astrological predictions. The Moon, at the time of birth is found in a particular star and it will be taken as the star of the person born. 

Kuja (Mars)

Mars is the planet, which gives prosperity and wealth.  Angaraka or Mars is regarded as a God of martial character, red in every aspect. Even the Romans held him as their Guru. He is the Son of Earth and is ruled by Lord Subramanya.

Bhudha (Mercury)

Mercury is the planet which gives knowledge. Bhudha or Mercury is considered as the greatest among the wise. This Devata bestows wisdom and wealth on his devotees. He is ruled by Lord Maha Vishnu. 

Guru (Jupiter)

Jupiter gives education and knowledge. Brihaspati is the Guru (Jupiter). He results in a cure from ailments and helps one cleanse his/her negative emotions and gives strength, valour, longevity, etc. He grants the boon of fatherhood to the childless, good education (Vidya). He is ruled by Lord Dakshinamurthy. 

Sukra (Venus)

Venus gives the knowledge of art, music etc. Sukra or Venus is the bestower of long life, wealth, happiness, children, property and good education. He is ruled by Goddess Mahalakshmi.   

Sani (Saturn)

Saturn gives happiness. Saniswara or Saturn, is generally known to affect one adversely on occasions when he occupies certain positions in one's horoscope. A prayer to him, especially on Saturdays, is said to mitigate the hardships one will have to face during these periods. Saniswara is considered equally a bestower of all benefits to the devotees who pray sincerely to him. He is ruled by Lord Yama.

Rahu (Ascending node of the Moon)

Rahu makes the life stronger. Rahu is instrumental in strengthening ones power and converting even any enemy into a friend. 

Ketu (Descending node of the Moon)

Kettu brings prosperity to the devotee's family removes the effect of bad, illness arising out of poisonous matter entering one's body. He grants good health, wealth and all round prosperity. 

Indian Astrology associates the following planets with the gods/goddesses as follows: Sun: Lord Siva Moon: Goddess Parvathi Mars: Lord Karthikeya (Subramanya) Mercury: MahaVishnu Jupiter: Lord Dakshinamurthi Venus: Mahalakshmi Saturn: Lord Yama Rahu: Goddess Durga Kethu: Lord Ganesa or Indra.

Mantras and remedies for the nine planet http://www.sutradhari.com

 

here are some remedies for the problems related to planets.  

Surya 

For Surya or Sun related troubles and during the dasa or antardasa of sun:  

1.Worship the ruling deity Lord Shiva 

2. Recite Aditya Hrudayam (stotra) daily or Gayatri Mantra daily.

3. Japa of Sun's moola mantra:

 "Om hram hreem hroum sah suryaya namah", 

  6000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the surya stotra:

Java kusuma sankasam kashyapeyam mahadutim

Tamorim Sarva paapghnam pranatosmi Divakaram

5. Charity: Donate wheat, or sugar candy on Sunday.

6. Fasting day: Sundays. 

7. Do  Rudrabhishekam on Sunday.

8. Rudraksha: Wear Ekamukhi or 12 mukhi Rudraksha

Chandra 

For Chandra or Moon related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Moon: 

1. Worship the ruling deity Gouri. 

2. Recite Annapoorna stotram. 

3. Japa of Moon's moola mantra: 

"Om shram sreem shraum sah chandraya namah", 

10000 times in 40 days. 

4. Recite the Chandra stotra: 

Dadhi Shankha tushaarabham ksheero darnava sambhavam

Namaami shashinam somam shambhor mukuta bhushanam

5. Charity: Donate cow's milk or rice on Monday. 

6. Fasting: On Mondays. 

7. Pooja: Devi pooja on Monday. 

8. Rudraksha: Wear 2 mukhi Rudraksha. 

Budha

For Budha or Mercury related problems and during his dasa and antardasa:

1. Worship Lord Vishnu.

2. Recite Vishnu sahasranama stotra.

3. Japa of the Budha beeja mantra: 

" Om bram breem broum sah budhaya namah" , 

17000 times in 40 days.

4.Recite the Budha stotra:

Priyangu Kalika Shyaamam Roopena Pratimam Budham

Soumyam Soumya gunopetam tam Budham Pranamamyaham.

5. Charity: Donate Udad dal on Wednesday.

6. Fasting: On Wednesdays.

7. Pooja: Vishnu pooja.

8. Wear a 10 mukhi Rudraksha.

Guru

For Guru or Jupiter related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Guru:

1. Worship Lord Shiva.

2. Recite Sri Rudram.

3. Japa of the Guru beeja mantra: 

" Om jhram jhreem jroum sah gurave namah " , 

16000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Guru stotra: 

Devanam cha rishinam cha Gurum kaanchan Sannibhaam

Buddhi bhutam Trilokesham tam namaami Brihaspatim.

5. Donate: Saffron or turmeric on thursday.

6. Fasting: On Thrusdays.

7. Pooja: Rudrabhishekam.

8. Wear a 5 mukhi rudraksha.

Shukra

For Shukra or Venus related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Venus:

1. Worship Durga Devi.

2. Recite Shree Sooktam or Devi stuti or Durga chalisa.

3. Japa of Shukra beeja mantra: 

" Om dram dreem droum sah shukraya namah ", 

20000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Shukra stotra: 

Hima kunda mrinalaabham daityanam paramam gurum

Sarv shastra pravaktaram bhargavem pranamamyaham

5. Donate clothes to a lady on Friday.

6. Fasting: On Fridays.

7. Pooja: Durga Devi pooja.

8. Wear a 6 mukhi Rudraksha.

Sani

For Sani or Saturn related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Shani:

1. Worship Lord Hanuman or Lord Siva.

2. Recite Hanuman chalisa or any other Hanuman stotra.

3. Japa of Shani mantra: 

" Om pram preem proum sah shanaischaraya namah " , 

19000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Shani stotra: 

Nelanjan samabhasam ravi putram yamagrajam

Chaaya martand sambhutam tam namami shanaischaram

5. Donate a buffalo or black oil (sesame seeds) on Saturday.

6. Fasting on Fridays.

7. Pooja: Hanuman pooja or Siva Pooja

8. Wear a 14 mukhi Rudraksha.

For all Saturn related troubles the following Shani 

Shodasanama stotra of Dasharatha is an excellent remedy. 

Konassanaischaromandah chhayaahridayanandanah

Maargandaja sudhaasouri neelavastraanjanadyutih

Abrahmanah kroora kroora karmaatangi grahanaayakah

Krishnodharmaanujah shantah shushkodara varapradah

Apart from this reciting  the following dasanama stotra of Shani by Dasharatha near a Pepal tree is also a highly recommended one.

Konastha pingalobabhruh

Krishnoroudraantakoyamah

Souri, shanaischaro mandah

Pippaladishu sansthitah

Rahu 

For Rahu related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Rahu: 

1. Worship Bhairava or lord Shiva. 

2. Recite the Kalabhairav asthakam. 

3. Japa of the rahu beeja mantra: 

" Om bhram bhreem bhroum sah rahave namah",

 18000 times in 40 days. 

4. Recite the Rahu stotra: 

Ardha Kaayam maha veryam chandraditya vimardhanam

Simhika garbha sambhutam tam rahum pranamamyaham.

5. Donate: Udad dal or coconut on Saturday.

6. Fasting on Saturdays.

7. Pooja: Bhairav or Shiva or Chandi pooja.

8. Wear An 8 mukhi Rudraksha.

9. One of the best remedies for rahu is reciting the first chapter of Durga Saptasati.

Ketu

For Ketu related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Ketu:

1. Worship Lord Ganesha.

2. Recite Ganesha Dwadasanama Stotra.

3. Japa of the Ketu beeja mantra: 

" Om shram shreem shroum sah ketave namah " , 

7000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Ketu stotra:

Palasha pushpa sankaasham taraka graha mastakam

Roudram roudratmakam ghoram tam ketum Pranamamyaham.

5. Donate: A black cow or black mustard seeds on Thursday.

6. Fasting: On Thursdays.

7. Pooja: Ganesh pooja.

8. Wear a 9 mukhi rudraksha.

9. A very good remedy for Ketu is the reciting of Shiva Panchakshari Stotra.

Each of the graha has associations with various characters, such as colors, metals, etc. The following table gives the most important associations: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navagraha

-

Mangal or Mars Pooja

Picture

Kuja(Mangala)

For Kuja or Mars related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Mars: 

1. Worship the ruling deities Kartikeya and Shiva. 

2. Recite Kartikeya or Shiva stotra. 

3. Japa of the Mars mantra:

" Om kram kreem kroum sah bhaumaya namah ",

 7000 times in 40 days. 

4. Recite the Mangala stotra: 

Dharani garbha sambhutam vidyut kanti samaprabham

Kumaram shakti hastam tam mangalam pranamamyaham.

5. Charity: Donate Masoor dal( red lentils) on Tuesday.

6. Fasting: On Tuesdays.

7. Pooja: Kartikeya pooja or Rudrabhishekha.

8. Rudraksha: Wear a 3 mukhi Rudraksha.

Mars is also the remover of debts and the giver of wealth. The following is a highly recommended stotra of Mars for this purpose. 

Kuja stotra : 

Angarakoyamaschaiva sarvarogaapahaarakah

Nrishtekargaacha hartaacha sarvadevascha poojitah.

Lohito Lohitaakshascha samagaana Kripaakarah

Dharmatmajah Kujobhoumou bhumido bhuminam

Rakta maalyambaradharam shulashakti gadaadharah

Charbhujo yeshagato varadamcha dharaasutah

Mangalo bhumiputrascha runahartaa dhanapradah

Sthiraasano mahaakaayo sarvakaama phalapradam

DO'S AND DONT'S IN WORSHIPING NAVAGRAHAS

Readers must be aware of things to be done and the things not to be done, while doing Pariharam or worshiping the Navagrahas.

DO'S

1. Do the Pariharam on the designated days, time and horas; as this would bring tremendous results.

2. Fasting is advisable but not compulsory. But the restriction on the intake of foods (that instigate the mind) should be maintained.

3. Pariharam and sexual thoughts and actions does not travel in a parallel manner. Hence avoid the Pariharam on the day, if you had done any sexual acts after the Sunrise.

4. Offer anything (flowers/lighting a lamp/cloth and so on) to the Navagrahas that is possible within your economical limits.

5. Distribute prasadam that are offered to Navagarahas to everyone, if you had done puja for removing the doshas.

6. Worshiping or doing Pujas for Navargahas without even looking at the presiding deity would deliver complete negative results.

DONT'S

1. You should not treat the Navargrahas either equal or greater than the Lord Shiva and other Gods. It brings the heavenly curse on you.

2. Worship/Puja for Navagrahas should be done only after the Worship/Puja for the Gods.

3. Do not go around the Navagrahas (9 times) on all days except the Saturday. Because the Shani would offload his burden on the people who unnecessarily go around the Navagrahas on days other than Saturdays.

4. Go around once and exit the place (all days except Saturday).

5. Never go around in a anti clock wise direction (for Rahu and Kethu).

6. Never stand diametrically opposite to the Lord Shani to worship.

7. Never go around the Navagrahas with hands folded or tied; never talk while going around.

8. Never go through the gap (space) that lies between a person who worship (in one side) and Navagrahas (on the other side).

9. Never touch the Navagrahas by yourself. (You can do puja by yourself only if you are sure about the quality of your mind).

10. Never prostrate before the Navagrahas.

11. Never light up your lamp from some else lamp. Use separate match box or light up from the temple lamp.

12. Do not do pariharam for Navagrahas on a daily basis. It is always better to do it on the designated days.

8 slices Of Pizza

*MUST READ : 8 SLICES OF PIZZA**

Wife: Don’t put so many clothes for wash today.

Husband: Why ?

She said : Maid has said she won’t come for two days.

Husband :Why ?

Wife : She said she is going to meet her grand daughter during Ganpati festival.

Husband : OK, Will not put too many clothes.

Wife: And, Shall I give her Rs. 500 for Ganpati? Festival bonus?

Husband: Why? Diwali is approaching, we will give her at that time.

Wife: Oh no dear. She is poor. Going to meet her daughter and grand daughter, so she will also feel nice. Moreover, everything has become so expensive these days. How will she able to celebrate festival?

Husband : You ! I don’t know why you become emotional so easily.

Wife : Oh dear, don’t worry. I am going to cancel today’s program of ordering Pizza. Why unnecessarily blow away Rs. 500 on eight pieces of stale bread.

Husband : Wow. Great. Snatching Pizza from us and giving to the maid !

Maid returned after three days and got busy in mopping and dusting. 

Husband asked her.. So, how was the vacation ? 

Maid : Very nice sahib.. Didi had given Rs. 500 .. festival bonus.

Husband : So you went and met your daughter ? and also met your grand daughter ? 

Maid: yes sahib. Enjoyed a lot and spent Rs 500 in two days time.

Husband : Really ? Ok so what did you do with Rs. 500?

Maid : Rs. 150 for dress for grand daughter, Rs 40 for a doll, bought sweets worth Rs 50 for daughter, Rs 50 as offering to Deity in temple, Rs 60 towards bus fare, Rs 25 for bangles for daughter, bought a nice belt worth Rs 50 for son-in-law, balance Rs 75 gave to daughter to buy copy and pencil for grand daughter. Maid gave a full account of the expenses incurred.

Husband : So much in Rs 500?

With surprise, he started thinking. The eight pieces of Pizza appeared in front of his eyes and each one of them acted as a hammer started pricking his consciousness. For the price of one Pizza, he started comparing the expenses his maid had incurred during her visit to her daughter. 

The eight pieces of Pizza floated in front of his eyes. 

First piece ... dress for the child

Second piece … towards sweets.. 

Third piece … towards offering to the deity in the temple. 

Fourth piece ... towards bus fare. 

Fifth piece ... towards doll. 

Sixth piece ... towards bangles, 

Seventh piece... towards belt for the son-in-law. 

Eighth piece... towards copy and pencil. 

So far he had observed pizza only from one angle. He turned it upside down and observe how it looks like from the other side but today his maid showed him the other side of the pizza. The eight pieces of pizza showed him the real meaning of life and the meaning of “Spending for life” or “Life for spending”. 

Think about it.

Life is an Echo

“Life is an echo. What you send out comes back. What you sow you reap. What you give you get. What you see in others exists in you.”

This is the American way of saying that Karma happens. Echos come back. It’s hard to reap what you didn’t sow. We are all cut of the same cloth. These are just the basic facts of humankind.

The quote starts with something we all know is true. Echos come back, even if they sound a little different. The quote then extends itself by reaching deeper into our experiences. Most of us have probably had a time when a kindness (or the opposite) has come back to us.

The next two (in the longer version) work along similar lines. The final sentence is, to me, the most interesting. It reminds us that we are all family. It also reminds us that both the flaws we see in others, as well as their better qualities, also exist within ourselves.

Why is treating others well important?  
As the saying states, being nice to others has benefits. The most obvious benefit is the good feeling you get when you help someone. Another benefit is what the quote says; do good, and good will come back to you.

Even if you don’t believe in Karma or any kind of “good will piggy bank” to which you deposit and gain interest, consider that the more people out there who treat others well improves your chance of being treated well also.

That’s just the way the math works, right? So whether you believe it or not, there is a sound math and science basis for treating others well. And to me, that’s the fundamental underpinning of this quote, the whole reason it exists.

If everyone went out today and did just one nice thing for another person, odds are that pretty soon someone will treat you well. The more often we treat well, the better off we all are, and that’s the most important part of this quote.

Where can I apply this in my life?
I believe that this quote is about how to live your life. I try to help others when I can, and the results have been pretty good for me. I still have my own life to live, but I believe that I am better off for the things I have done for others.

Since the quote is a series of statements, let’s run through them. The first pair are about the rebounding of echos or return of what you have given out to others. Are the echos you hear yours, or can you learn from the echo of someone else?

Consider that the author of the quote is now naught but an echo. Given that bit of information, it is my guess that not only can you learn from the echo of someone else, you are in the process of doing it right now. Isn’t that something?

The second pair are about what you do and what you get back. Take a moment and consider this concept as both the person giving and as the person receiving.

While I enjoy receiving a kindness from others, I also enjoy doing a kindness to others. Now consider how interesting it can be to observe a kindness pass between other people.

The final line of the quote reminds us that the kindness we see in others also exists within us. We can do the same and be kind to others. It is also a warning to us.

It reminds us that if we see others who are being other than kind, that we could be just as mean, if we are not careful. And I would urge you to remember that anyone you see being unkind is fully able to be kind, under the right circumstances.

We all have a great ability to help, to nurture, and to be kind to others. We also have the ability to be much less than that ideal. What do you want to do? How do you want to behave?

How do you want to be remembered? As the person who treated others well, or one who did not? For in the end, your epitaph is the ultimate echo of your life. What you reap will be based on what you sow.

Symptoms Of Kaliyug

WONDERFUL ONE!

SUNDAY STAR STORY:

SYMPTOMS OF KALIYUGA

After the Kurukshetra War the Pandavas felt bad that so many people were killed so their eldest brother Yudhistira could become king. Krishna explained he wanted them to teach dharma for the benefit of all citizens as the age of Kali or degradation was approaching. 

He asked the brothers to go out and report to him whatever strange sights they saw, and He would explain how they were symptoms of Kali-yuga.

Yudhisthira reported, “I saw an elephant with two trunks.” 

Krishna explained, “Just like that elephant has two trunks, in Kali everyone will have two faces.

Everyone will speak one thing and do another.”

Bhima said, “I saw a big pond without water although all the small ponds nearby were full.” 

Krishna explained, “In Kali, my representatives are like the big pond, which although deep with knowledge, will have no money and no followers, while so many bogus people will flourish with money and followers.”

Arjuna said, “I saw a bird with writings of the Vedas on it eating the flesh of a human body.” 

Krishna explained, “That is a symptom of Kali-yuga. In Kali people will learn some scriptural verses and exploit people and take their money.”

Nakula said, “I saw a mother cow who had given birth to a baby and the mother cow was licking the baby cow, so much that the baby cow began to bleed, and it kept bleeding.” 

Krishna said, “In Kali the parents will give affection to the children by encouraging them unlimitedly in material ways but completely ignoring their spiritual life.”

Sahadeva said, “After a long way, I saw a boulder came crashing down a mountain knocking down everything, trees, buildings, monuments, etc. But just before it struck me, it hit plant which stopped completely its rushing speed.” 

Krishna explained that the boulder is Kali-yuga personified, and the trees, monuments, and buildings are philosophies trying to oppose Kali-yuga. The little plant is the holy name of the Lord which seems to be very insignificant but which actually has the complete power to stop the force of Kali-yuga.

Many Expression one experience

AMRIT VACHAN (Inspiring messages of Realised Saints)

 ****** *******

 # MANY EXPRESSIONS :

     ONE  EXPERIENCE #

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

( By Swami VENKATESANANDA)

One of the things in which we take special pride in India is the peaceful co-operation of the different religions there. Only when political considerations interfere, religious distinctions acquire some prominence; otherwise it has been a country where all religions were welcomed, not merely tolerated, but were appreciated by the practitioners of other religions.

Once in Madagascar a Christian girl asked Dr. Radhakrishnan  "Why do you Hindus worship so many gods, where as we worship only One God?

"He replied with a question, "How many Gods are there?" "Only one," she said. "Then why do you say my god and your gods as though you yourself believed there were several? asked Dr. Radhakrishnan. "She did not utter another word.  For only those who are themselves not sure that there is only one God, argue. Those who believe in the One God know that, albeit in various ways and forms, everyone worships Him alone.

Though He can be called by many names and approached by different people in different ways, the Indian believes that there is only One God. "Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti", declare the Vedas. "Truth is one, sages express it in different ways."

 Expression only is different, not the realisation nor the experience. A group, representing many different nations, sit drinking milk, each in his own cup, round the same table, experiencing the same sensation (that of drinking milk), but each identifies that milk with a noun from his own language, a sound strange to his companions. His cup may be different, his word for milk incomprehensible, but the milk is the same.

God is One. The religion that leads Man to Him is also one. Some call Him Krishna or a thousand other names and the religion, Hinduism. Some call Him Christ and the religion Christianity. The devotee of Christ is Christian; the devotee of Vishnu is Vaishnava; the devotee of Siva is a Saivite; the adorer of Isvara is an Arya Samajist; he who adores Allah is a Muslim, but all of them believe in the One Fundamental Truth.

There is no difference — superiority or inferiority — among the Prophets either. Each one comes from Him, is of Him—is He Himself. The one who came later is not necessarily superior to the one who came earlier. Rain fell last year, a thousand years ago, and this year. Is this year’s rainwater superior to last year’s or that of a thousand years ago?

He comes to all His children, in the way in which they can recognise Him, and with the message which they need. He is nobody’s domestic servant, and no one can dictate where, how and if He should incarnate. All are His children. He comes to help primitive man in the jungle as He comes to guide the Roman emperor.

The followers of the sage, saviour or Prophet have, however, the duty and privilege of serving their fellowmen with the Gospel they themselves received from their Master. The attitude here is not one of self-righteousness, religious or intellectual vanity, but one of worship of the Supreme Being Who dwells in the hearts of all those whom we thus serve.

OM

ATMAN

°°°°°°°°°

Navratri

The Spiritual Significance of Navaratri

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 1)

Ratri means “night” and Nava means “nine”. At Navaratri (“nine nights”), the Lord in the form of the Mother Goddess is worshipped in Her various forms as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Though the Goddess is one, She is represented and worshipped in three different aspects. On the first three nights of the festival, Durga is worshipped. On the following three, Lakshmi and then Saraswati Devi on the last three nights. The following tenth day is called Vijayadasami. Vijaya means “victory”, the victory over our own minds that can come only when we have worshipped these three: Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Durga

To gain noble virtues, all evil tendencies in the mind must be destroyed. This destruction is represented by the Goddess Durga. Durga is durgati harini: “She who removes our evil tendencies.” This is why she is called Mahishasura Mardini, the destroyer of Mahishaasura (demon), mahisha meaning “buffalo.” Isn’t there a buffalo in our minds as well?

The buffalo stands for tamoguna, the quality of laziness, darkness, ignorance and inertia. We have these qualities too. We love to sleep. Although we may have a lot of energy and potential inside us, we prefer to do nothing - just like the buffalo that likes to lie in pools of water. In the Puraanic story, Durga Devi’s killing of the Mahisha demon is, symbolically, the destruction of the tamoguna within us that is very difficult to destroy. In the Durga Devi Havana (sacrifice), we invoke that Divine Power within us to destroy our animalistic tendencies.

The Spiritual Significance of Navaratri

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 2)

Lakshmi

For knowledge to dawn within us, we have to prepare our minds. The mind must be pure, concentrated, and single-pointed; this purification of the mind is obtained through the worship of Lakshmi Devi.

In our society today, however, when we think of Lakshmi, we think only of money - counting gold and dollar bills! This is why if one goes to a Lakshmi temple, one will find a crowd. Everybody likes Lakshmi Puja (Lakshmi worship) because they think she represents material wealth. But what is real wealth? Even if we have material wealth but no self-discipline or self-control, nor the values of love, kindness, respect and sincerity, all our material wealth will be lost or destroyed. The real wealth is the inner wealth of spiritual values that we practice in our lives, by which our minds become purified. Only when we have these noble values will we be able to preserve our material wealth and make good use of it. Otherwise money itself becomes a problem.

The Spiritual Significance of Navaratri

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 3)

In the Upanishads, the Rishis never asked for material wealth only. In the mantras of the Taittriya Upanishad, they first asked to have all the noble virtues fully developed in them. “Having gained the noble virtues, thereafter Lord please bring wealth to us”. The Rishis express here that in the absence of right values and good qualities, all our money will be wasted, and there are countless examples of this in the world around us.

Our wealth of virtues is our true Lakshmi. Its importance is shown by the fact that Adi Shankaracharya himself, in Vivekachudamani, describes that sat sampati, or six forms of wealth (calmness of mind, self-control, self- withdrawal, forbearance, faith and single-pointed ness) that are to be cultivated to attain wisdom. These virtues are important because our goal is victory over the mind - a victory such that we do not get disturbed by every change that takes place in our lives. This victory comes only when the mind is prepared, and this mental preparation is the symbolism of the Lakshmi Puja.

The Spiritual Significance of Navaratri

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 4)

Saraswati

Victory over the mind can be gained only through knowledge, through understanding; and it is Goddess Saraswati who represents this highest knowledge of the Self.

Although there are many kinds of knowledge in the Vedas - phonetics astronomy, archery, architecture, eco- nomics and so on - the real knowledge is in the spiritual knowledge. Lord Krishna himself says in the Bhagavad Gita: “The knowledge of the Self is the knowledge”; and He adds, “It is my vibhuti, my glory.” In other words, we may have knowledge of many other subjects and sciences but if we do not know our own Self, then that is the greatest loss. Therefore the supreme knowledge is the knowledge of the Self that is represented by Goddess Saraswati.

The Spiritual Significance of Navaratri

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 5)

Navaratri

Thus, at Navaratri, Goddess Durga is invoked first to remove impurities from the mind. The Goddess Lakshmi is invoked to cultivate the noble values and qualities. Finally, Saraswati is invoked for gaining the highest knowledge of the Self. This is the significance of the three sets of three nights when all these three are gained subjectively, and then there will be Vijayadasami, the day of true victory!

At Navaratri time, the Rasa dance (dance of joy) of Sri Krishna and the gopis is also performed. As the mind becomes purer, calmer quieter, and more cheerful and greater understanding is gained, do we not feel happier? Similarly, the Rasa dance is the dance of joy and realization. But, nowadays, the theme of Sri Krishna and the gopis dancing around the Rasa seems to have been lost in our society. The true meaning and purpose of the ritual is often forgotten, as more importance is given to other types of dancing.

The Spiritual Significance of Navaratri

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 5)

Navaratri

Thus, at Navaratri, Goddess Durga is invoked first to remove impurities from the mind. The Goddess Lakshmi is invoked to cultivate the noble values and qualities. Finally, Saraswati is invoked for gaining the highest knowledge of the Self. This is the significance of the three sets of three nights when all these three are gained subjectively, and then there will be Vijayadasami, the day of true victory!

At Navaratri time, the Rasa dance (dance of joy) of Sri Krishna and the gopis is also performed. As the mind becomes purer, calmer quieter, and more cheerful and greater understanding is gained, do we not feel happier? Similarly, the Rasa dance is the dance of joy and realization. But, nowadays, the theme of Sri Krishna and the gopis dancing around the Rasa seems to have been lost in our society. The true meaning and purpose of the ritual is often forgotten, as more importance is given to other types of dancing.

The Spiritual Significance of Navaratri

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 5)

Navaratri

Thus, at Navaratri, Goddess Durga is invoked first to remove impurities from the mind. The Goddess Lakshmi is invoked to cultivate the noble values and qualities. Finally, Saraswati is invoked for gaining the highest knowledge of the Self. This is the significance of the three sets of three nights when all these three are gained subjectively, and then there will be Vijayadasami, the day of true victory!

At Navaratri time, the Rasa dance (dance of joy) of Sri Krishna and the gopis is also performed. As the mind becomes purer, calmer quieter, and more cheerful and greater understanding is gained, do we not feel happier? Similarly, the Rasa dance is the dance of joy and realization. But, nowadays, the theme of Sri Krishna and the gopis dancing around the Rasa seems to have been lost in our society. The true meaning and purpose of the ritual is often forgotten, as more importance is given to other types of dancing.

The Spiritual Significance of Navaratri

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 6)

Why is the Navaratri festival celebrated at night rather than in the daytime? This is another interesting question. Night-time is generally the time when we go to sleep, so the spiritual message is, “You have lived long enough in the sleepy ignorance of tamoguna. It is time to wake up now. Please wake up!”

For a puja, unfortunately, we are never willing to stay up late and so we ask, “What time will it end?” For a party, we never ask this question. If the party ends at 10.00pm, we say “What! The party is finished?! What kind of a party is that?!” Yet we find it difficult to stay awake for a puja!

The Importance of Ritual

Not everyone, it is true, will be of the intellectual type to appreciate everything philosophically. Therefore, philosophy or spiritual truth must be demonstrated visually in some ritualistic form. In this way, when children are first introduced to it, they enjoy a dance or a festival, and then later begin to question, “What is this dance? Why are we doing this Puja? What is the meaning of Navaratri?” So the purpose of the concretized ritual is fulfilled when these questions begin to arise in the children’s minds.

Unfortunately, when we take our children to functions at the temples and they begin to ask questions about what they see, we cannot answer them. Yet when the children revolt later as teenagers, we say, “What happened to the children? These kids are terrible. We never used to question our religion!”

The Spiritual Significance of Navaratri

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 7)

We take pride in the fact that we never used to question anything, but it would have been better if we had asked questions and found out. Why did we not ask? Because of intellectual inertia. Inertia is of different kinds. Physical inertia is not as bad because it is usually temporary. There are also mental or emotional stupors that some people remain in, but the intellectual inertia is the worst kind because under its influence, we do not want to think at all. It is said that people can live without air for two minutes, without water for a few days, without food for a month or so, and without thinking for generations! Some people just do not want to think. This is our inner Mahisha (the lazy buffalo), and our spiritual Mahisha is that we do not want to wake up from this sleep of ignorance.

As we can see, the theme of the entire Vedas is reflected in the Navaratri festival: Purify the mind and remove all negativities; cultivate positive virtues; gain spiritual knowledge and transcend limitations. This is the real victory - the dance of joy - ritualistically performed at night, as it is also on Shivaratri (auspicious night), to signify our spiritual awakening.

(end)

Social Responsibility

Social Responsibility as stated in #BhagavadGita

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 1)

The Gita, declares that a person who repeatedly takes from the totality, but never contributes to it, is a thief. Here, Sri Krishna has used a very powerful word.

A Thief

The commonly understood meaning of ‘thief’ is one who breaks into your house and steals things. However, there are different types of thieves (chor). One is the person who is paid for eight hours, but works for only four. He is a kam chor. He does not work fully, but takes a full pay! Another type is one who evades tax – kar chor. There are also those who steal the ideas and designs of others. All of them are categorized as thieves.

Social Responsibility as stated in #BhagavadGita

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 2)

In the spiritual sense, we take everything from the Lord and forget Him. We refuse to give Him any acclaim and take credit for everything. In modern terms, it relates to the disturbance of the entire ecosystem. Plants, animals and birds can all live without us. Actually, they will be very happy if we are not there! But humans cannot live without them; in innumerable ways we are totally dependent on them. Yet, we continue to exploit and destroy them. We call ourselves smart and intelligent but in reality, we are dumb. This according to the Bhagavad-gita is ‘stealing’.

Yagna Shista

On the other hand, those who understand the injunctions of the scriptures and live accordingly are liberated from bondage. The Lord points out that good people who enjoy or partake the remnants of yagna are liberated from their sins; but others who do things only for their own selfish ends, their own benefit, pleasure and power are ‘eating sin’.

Social Responsibility as stated in #BhagavadGita

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 3)

Sri Krishna uses the potent words ‘yagna shista.’ The meaning of yagna shista is to be understood from different standpoints. At the individual level, it involves performing one’s own duties dedicated to the Higher and subsequently sharing the fruits for the good of society. Let us take the simple example of the owner of a lucrative company. After deducting the costs and overheads, he shares the profits with his employees. He will be called a yagna shista. Earlier, proprietors took all the proceeds for themselves; the concept of sharing did not exist. It is now recognized that the wealth of the company should be shared with the workers, shareholders and so on. In addition, the town or city where the factory is located should also benefit. Known as Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR, this has become a law and a percentage has to be used for the welfare of society.

There is a thought-provoking incident from Guru Nanak Dev’s life. One day, on his travels, a poor man offered him some dry, unappetizing bread. Guru Nanak accepted it joyfully. He was eating it with relish. Just then a prosperous man arrived on the scene and offered him an array of delicious food. However, Nanak Dev did not accept this. The rich man was upset and offended and asked the Guru why his bread had been rejected. Nanakji showed him the difference: when he squeezed the bread offered by the poor man, milk poured out; but when the rich man’s bread was pressed, blood came out of it. The wealthy man had earned money by abusing and exploiting many people.

Social Responsibility as stated in #BhagavadGita

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 4)

Remember, when we ignore the advice of the Creator, it shows disrespect to Him who has given us everything. For instance, in a household, the will of the elders becomes compulsory for others to fulfil. If we disobey their bidding, it shows disregard to them. Similarly, in organizations such as the Chinmaya Mission, the Guru’s words are sacrosanct. Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s words are commands for his followers. His wish was our command.

By presenting different perspectives, Sri Krishna has convincingly pointed out that there is no running away from one’s duties. One has individual duties towards oneself to gain purity of mind, but one should also not forget one’s duty towards the peace, prosperity and happiness of everyone around. Today, not only in our country, but all over the world, this altruistic and caring spirit is getting lost.

(end)

Wheel of creation

Wheel of Creation

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 1)

In the Gita, Sri Krishna counsels Arjuna to do his duty and not run away from the battlefield. He gives an impressive range of arguments to convince Arjuna of the need to be resolute and fight. The Lord asks him to survey the entire creation and describes the ‘Wheel of Action’ or the ‘Wheel of Creation’

Understanding Yagna – The Spirit of Sacrifice

Sri Krishna depicts the whole creation, its laws and movement. He points out that all beings are born of food and grow by food. The growth of food is dependent on rains. Hence prosperity of all – even prosperous countries - depends on rains.

Thus, beings are born from food, food grows because of rain and rain, itself, is a result of yagna.

Wheel of Creation

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 2)

Considering yagna as an elaborate fire ritual indicates a limited understanding of the word. It would lead one to ask the seemingly logical question. ‘So many countries do not perform yagna, but it rains there also. Does it not?’ The simple answer would be: the scriptures do not state that performance of yagna in China will deliver rains in China only. It is because of yagnas in India that it rains there also!

An in-depth examination reveals two aspects of yagna – one of worship and the other of sacrifice. Let us take the basic example of how rain is produced. Science tells us that the sun radiates heat causing the waters of the ocean to evaporate. The ocean sacrifices water in the fire of the sun; the vapours do not remain, but go up and form clouds. The clouds do not keep the water for themselves, they give it up. By following the laws of radiation, evaporation, cooling and gravitation, the rain comes down.

Wheel of Creation

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 3)

We find that yagna is going on continuously in and through nature - this activity of giving is going on smoothly, silently and patiently. The phenomenal forces all get their powers of creativity and activity from the Supreme. The Imperishable Brahman is the source all the phenomenal forces and laws of nature and is present everywhere. The secret is that His divinity becomes more and more manifest wherever the spirit of worship and sacrifice is present – both in individual life and in the totality.

Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda interpreted this also from the worldly stand point. We have seen that population increases in places where there is material prosperity. Ultimately, material prosperity is dependent on water – the rain. Rain is that climatic condition without which food cannot grow. Similarly, in a company, factory or workplace unless the physiological condition is conducive, the company will not flourish. Discontented workers go on strike, without thinking of the larger good. A spirit of sacrifice and dedication is imperative to create favourable conditions and positive thinking that lead to prosperity. Whenever everybody comes together, works together and puts forth their best, there is success - even in a simple game of cricket.

Wheel of Creation

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 4)

Wheel of Action

It is in this way that the wheel of action is set in motion. He who does not contribute to society leads a sinful life. There is the amusing but instructive anecdote about a group of families who decided to go on a picnic. Each one promised to contribute a food item. There was just one person who did not offer anything. Finally somebody asked him what he would bring. He answered, ‘I will bring my wife and children!’

The one, who indulges only for sensual pleasure lives in vain; his life is meaningless and useless because he is taking benefit from the activity of creation without giving anything in return. The entire nature works ceaselessly to make our existence possible, thus it is our duty to ‘produce more than what we consume and give more than what we take.’

(end)

Sprituality

#Spirituality is not about having some strange experience.  Spirituality evolves from understanding each and every experience and then comprehending the right lesson from it.

#SwamiTejomayananda

Path of Selfless Action

Path of #Selfless Action

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 1)

The best way to live is to remain steadfast in our duties and dedicate all our actions to God. Since we are continuously receiving and taking from the world, we should contribute to the smooth functioning of the wheel of action by fulfilling our responsibilities towards society. Sri Krishna declares that he who does not fulfill these responsibilities lives in vain (Bhagavad Gita 3.16) Everyone must know their responsibilities, feel responsible, and fulfill them.

 The principle is that as long as we have something to achieve or gain in life, we feel incomplete; so long as there are goals to be achieved and objects to be acquired, action will be required to obtain them. Some people may want to secure admission to a renowned college, get a well-paying job, go to USA or even perform rituals to go to heaven. As long as you want to reach somewhere, become something or achieve anything, you have to do something.

Path of #Selfless Action

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 2)

Seeking Happiness

By deeply analyzing this situation, we realize that all this wanting to achieve, become or reach, is only meant to gain total fulfillment and completeness in life. In simple words, what we want is everlasting happiness. Everything we do is for this sole purpose.

 However, As long as we seek this happiness externally, in things or beings, our pursuit will never end. It will go on and on. It is important to appreciate that happiness is not in any object or being. Happiness itself is neither a thing nor the nature of anything. When you taste sugar, you taste sweetness. Sweetness is the essential quality of sugar. It is its very nature. In that same way, happiness is not the nature or property of any particular object. It is a projection of the mind.

 There are only two entities: one is I, myself, and the other is the entire world. Logically applying the maxim of remainder - parishesa nyaya - if happiness is not in the world, then it is my own nature.

Path of #Selfless Action

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 3)

The Realized Master

The Realized Master having attained the infinite Self knows that happiness is his/her nature (ananda svarupa), it is his own Self. Such a human being is totally fulfilled within and is independent of the external world.

 The realized one revels in the Self, is satisfied with the Self and content in the Self alone. There is nothing more for him to achieve by doing something, nor is there anything that he will lose by not performing actions. An enlightened person is no longer dependent on any being or objects for anything. Such a person has no duties to perform. But that does not mean he/she does not work.

 Let us take the example of a well-settled person whose children are earning well and taking good care of him. As such, he does not need to work; but if he is in good health and wants to use his time productively, he may work whenever he chooses - there is no compulsion. However, this does not apply to a young person, with family responsibilities - he cannot renounce everything. Similarly, Arjuna had responsibilities to fulfill; he had to fight against the Kaurava forces. The time was not right for him to renounce action

Path of #Selfless Action

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 4)

Selfless Action Leads to Perfection

The supreme state of Perfection can be attained by the selfless performance of action without attachment to the results. What is this Perfection?

 The path of selfless action cleanses the mind of likes, dislikes; it becomes pure. When such a person enquires into the nature of the Truth, he gains Knowledge of the Infinite Self. He revels in that Self-knowledge; he is content and fulfilled. This is how one moves from selfless action to Perfection. Noble kings of the past such as King Janaka of Mithila worked in the world and attained Perfection. Janak Maharaj was the epitome of the perfect king, ruler, warrior and householder. He attained Perfection and continued to work in the world by serving others as his worship of the Supreme.

 Thus, Sri Krishna highlights the path of selfless action as the way to the Supreme State. Perfection cannot be gained by merely renunciation of action.

(end)

Responsible Leader

The Responsible #Leader

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 1)

Whatever a great person or a Shreshta Purusha (leader) does, his example is followed by others (Bhagavad Gita 3.21). For instance, if you admire someone in the field of sports, music, theatre or spirituality, there is a tendency to imitate the behavior of that person. You follow the standards, values, ideals and conduct upheld by him/her. Whatever a great person or leader does, people will imitate him. Therefore, it is the crucial responsibility of a leader to live an exemplary life.

Practice what You Preach

Once, a determined lady travelled a long way with her son to the ashrama of a Mahatma. She requested him, “Please advise my son not to indulge in sweets as he has a medical condition”. The Mahatma asked them to revisit him after a month.

On returning after the elapsed time, the Mahatma looked at the boy and advised, “Don’t eat so many sweets. It is bad for your health. Be moderate.”

The lady was taken aback. “But why”, she asked, “Did you not say this a month earlier?”

The Mahatma replied “At that time, I could not have said it. I too was eating a lot of sweets. First, I myself had to give them up, only then could I counsel him”.

The Responsible #Leader

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 2)

Each One is a Leader

In society, every person is a leader to someone else. I may be looking up to some person for guidance or advice, but there is also somebody who holds me in high esteem and looks to me for direction. In a family where there is a five- year old and a three-year old, the three-year old looks up to the five-year old. Consecutively, the five-year old may look up to a cousin or a neighbor.

At home, the head of the family is a leader to other family members – they consider him to be a source of strength and wisdom; in an organization, the members look up to its head for guidance and inspiration. So each one of us has the responsibility of setting an example by the values we uphold, by our conduct and speech. We have to first live the values that we want others to follow, be it our children, neighbors, friends or co-workers.

Bhagavan – the Ultimate Example

Sri Krishna cites His own example. He tells Arjuna that though He has no duties to perform and nothing to achieve, yet He tirelessly engages in action. Moreover, if He did not ever remain engaged in action, with alertness and vigilance, other people would follow His example. The Lord has nothing to lose by not engaging in karma or anything to gain by performing action.

You must have seen and experienced in your life that if a child misbehaves, people ask ‘Who are your parents? Is this what they taught you?’ If disciples do not work properly, they ask ‘Who is your Guru?’ Even the Guru is not spared.

The Responsible #Leader

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 3)

If the present generation does not take care of peace, prosperity and happiness, the next generation will hold us responsible. Is it not so? A leader or a great person must ensure that the followers are upholding the rules of right conduct; if they misbehave, the leader is held responsible.

Similarly, Sri Krishna states that the people are His responsibility. He says, ‘I cannot let them perish. I have to engage in karma to guide and bring them on to the righteous path’. Whenever Bhagavan uses the word ‘I’ in the immediate context, it means Shreshta Purusha.

If you see Shri Krishna as the Lord of the universe, you know that the Lord functions through all the laws and forces of Nature; if He takes time off - even for a few seconds - all the worlds will perish. So, whether you regard Shri Krishna as Ishvara or Shreshta Purusha, He knows He has responsibilities to fulfill and always fulfills them.

(end)

Material World

In the material world, the relationship is that of "I am kartha (doer) and I do karma for getting results".  In the world of  Bhakti, the relationship is that of "I am a servant and I do service, but not for myself".  So the triad of perception, perceptible and perceiver is gone.

#SwamiTejomayananda

The Matter that Matters

The Matter that matters

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 1)

Spiritually ignorant people are attached to actions (karma) and the results of action (karmaphal). The man of wisdom remains totally unattached to both. What makes one person attached and the other so unattached?

Doer-ship and Enjoyer-ship

Sri Krishna points out that, in reality, all actions are performed by the qualities of Prakriti (matter), but a person with a strong sense of doership, deluded by egoism, will always get attached to the results of action.

Upon analysis, we find that we act because we desire to gain something. In acting, I become a doer (karta) so that I may become an enjoyer (bhokta). The notion of doership is closely associated with the notion of enjoyer-ship. Wherever there is a sense of doership, there will be attachment to actions and results.

The Matter that matters

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 2)

The wise man has true understanding; he knows that all actions are being carried out by the qualities of Prakriti (gunas).

Prakriti, matter, by itself is lifeless. It lacks sentiency. But it appears to be sentient because of another factor Consciousness (Caitanya) the life-giving principle. Consciousness, the life-giving principle and Prakriti, (matter) both go together.

The Matter that matters

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 3)

Qualities of Prakriti

Prakriti has three qualitiessattva guna, rajo guna and tamo guna. Each of these expresses differently. Tamo guna expresses as inertia, rajo guna as activity and sattva guna as knowledge. All these expressions manifest through certain mediums.

The physical body, by itself, has inertia. It is tamasic. But whenprana shaktifunctions through it, there is activity. The pranas are an expression of the activity aspect (rajo guna). The mind-intellect, sense organs are an expression of sattva guna, the knowledge aspect. The entire equipment of the body, pranas, senses, mind and intellect is part of Prakriti’s gunas.

The Matter that matters

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 4)

Consciousness

In the presence of Consciousness, matter is enlivened. The activities are all carried out by matter the body, pranas and so on. As far as Caitanya is concerned, it is totally action-less. We will not call it inactive, but action-less. In its presence all activities are happen, but it does nothing. Without this life- giving principle, matter is inert. However, we are unaware of this vital fact. We identify ourselves with the body, pranas, senses, mind-intellect and say, ‘I am the doer’.

I must identify with Consciousness, but I identify myself with this inert body.

When I think I am the karta, I also become the bhokta. I become attached to the equipment, its expressions, actions, and to the results of such actions. It is a very subtle point. We do not even know that these things are happening. That is why we are called ignorant. This spiritual dimension is lacking. Firmly believing that we are the body, and mind-intellect we take upon ourselves all their activities and become the doers. This identification leads to attachment and sorrow. We are utterly unaware of this Caitanya principle which is our true nature.

The wise man is the complete opposite he knows the Reality.

The Matter that matters

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 5)

The Wise Man

The wise man realizes the Truth and understands: ‘I am Pure Consciousness. In my presence Prakriti stands as body, pranas, sense organs, mind-intellect. The same Prakriti also stands as the world of objects, emotions, thoughts, sounds, color, taste, smell, touch. Prakriti is playing with Prakriti. Why should I get involved and identify myself with this or that?’

Ignorant people are attached to karma-phal because they lack this discrimination of matter and Spirit.They identify with the body and are attached to it. The wise man knows that identified with the body, he becomes the doer. If he identifies with the world of objects, he is bound and dependent on them.

He knows the Truth and remains unattached.He watches the play of Prakriti.

(end)

Emerging Leaders

Mantras for Emerging Leaders

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 1)

The Bhagavad Gita contains two slokas which encapsulate the principles of leadership. Sri Krishna reveals how a leader should himself act and how to lead or guide others.

Spiritually ignorant people are attached to results (saktah); the wise remain asaktah - totally unattached. They should work only for one purpose - loka sangrah - leading people and society towards peace, prosperity and happiness.

Furthermore, Sri Krishna points out that ignorant people attached to karma have their own faith, beliefs and way of thinking. A leader should not unsettle them immediately; he should remain steadfast and integrated in performing his own karma and motivate the unwise to perform their karmas more effectively.

Leadership has three aspects: the individual or the leader, who must lead, the people who are to be led, and finally, the goal or destination.

Mantras for Emerging Leaders

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 2)

The Leader

The leader must have a clear and concise knowledge of the destination or the goal to which he wants to lead people; he or she must also be aware of the path and the means necessary to reach the objective and lastly, the psychology of the followers must be understood. This is a very important aspect. One must grasp the state of mind of the people. If you do not know have any idea of what motivates them or their way of thinking and you speak about very high and lofty goals, you will not be effective.

To lead by example is the best way to guide others. The leader must be detached, patient, enthusiastic, dynamic and inspiring.

Mantras for Emerging Leaders

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 3)

The Goal

The motivation of a leader must be the welfare of all. A true leader is one who is interested not only in the material prosperity of people, but also in their spiritual unfoldment.

These two are the goals of dharma - all round prosperity in the world and spiritual unfoldment. Both are necessary for a flourishing society. Suppose all people become ascetics and sanyasis - can a nation go on? Or if all people are indulgent, thinking only of power play, material prosperity and pleasure – will that bring happiness and peace?

It is necessary to work and achieve something in this world. Without acquisition there is no point in renunciation. Renunciation has no meaning if there is nothing to renounce! Therefore, a beggar cannot be called a man of renunciation. It has worth only if one who has gained knowledge, wealth or success in this world, renounces them. After engaging in activity and spending time in acquiring possessions, a stage must come when a person should understand the goal of renunciation.

Mantras for Emerging Leaders

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 4)

It is important for a leader to recognize that the majority of people have countless desires and ambitions for worldly things. They are fascinated by glamour and material wealth. They want to raise the standard of living and better their lot. At such a time, you cannot talk only of renunciation and the highest spiritual goal. That will not motivate them. But they should be shown that there is a greater goal and greater good also. It should be pointed out that if they go on acquiring more and more of the same, there will only be a quantitative change in their lives; there will be no qualitative transformation. Hence, they should not just work for more and more of the same, but also reflect on that which is greater and higher. People must not be kept ignorant of the fact that there is also a spiritual goal to be attained.

Loka sangrah is the objective of leaders – you have to lead people towards material prosperity and also impress on them that there is a spiritual goal in life which has to be desired and attained.

Mantras for Emerging Leaders

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 5)

The Path

The path for reaching the goal must be very clear. The path is karma yoga - perform karma dedicated to the Lord. In the early stages, the route is of selfless dedicated action and aspiration for the greater goal of life. The path of yajna - that will take them to prosperity in this world and towards the higher spiritual goal - must be shown.

These days many leaders themselves do not know where they are going. If the followers ask, ‘Where are we going?’ the answer is ‘I myself do not know. I will figure it out as we go along!”

A leader must know where he is going. The goal is loka sangrah, the welfare of all. Doing karma in the yajna spirit is the path.

(end)

Life is a Gift

Life is a Gift, Living is an Art

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 1)

Let us think about how life is a gift. In fact, thinking itself is a gift unique to human beings. By thinking well along the correct lines, our problems can be solved, resolved, or dissolved. If we do not know how to think, then more and more problems crop up and the existing problems get more complicated.

What is a gift?

If we buy something for ourselves, then it is a purchase, and cannot be called a gift. Basically, a gift is given by someone else; given out of love. A bribe, though given by someone else, is not a gift, because there is an ulterior motive and an expectation behind the giving. A donation may not be a gift because someone may have asked for it or even forced us to give it! When giving comes from the heart and out of love, when no one demands, and yet you give because you feel like giving, then it is a gift!

Life is a Gift, Living is an Art

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 2)

Life is the Most Precious Gift

As living beings, it is clear that we have life in us, but we cannot claim any right over it. The fact that we are living enables functions like seeing, hearing, feeling, touching, smelling, acting, reacting, responding and achieving. Without life, what can one do? Life is most precious. When I get up, I feel that I am alive, and when I go to sleep, I have the hope that I will wake up. The medical profession that helps to sustain life evokes so much respect in everybody, because life is so precious. We are willing to pay any price to preserve our life. Once, a bone got stuck in a man’s throat and he almost choked. A doctor removed the bone surgically and saved his life. When he asked the doctor how much he should pay him, the doctor replied, “Pay me at least half of what you were willing to pay when the bone was still in your throat!”

Who gave us this gift?

Only when there is life in us, everything else becomes possible. I did not buy this life. I cannot truly say that my parents gave it to me. I did not create it and cannot take credit for it. I may have created a lot of confusion in my life, but did not create life. It is a gift – but from whom? Who gave it to me? People with faith say that God gave it. Atheists say Nature gave it. Whether Nature’s gift or God’s gift, it is a gift. And whenever we receive such a precious present, we must know how to use it.

Life is a Gift, Living is an Art

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 3)

Easy to Destroy, Difficult to Create

It is very easy to abuse, misuse, not use, or even destroy life. While making good use of life is difficult, destroying it is easy. Gautam Buddha was once going through a forest where Angulimal lived. He killed people and wore a necklace made from their fingers. No one had the courage to pass through that forest. When Angulimal saw Buddha, he was surprised because Buddha was calm and collected and had no fear.

“Are you not afraid? My name is Angulimal!”

Buddha said, “Yes, I have heard of you, what do you do?”

“I kill,” replied Angulimal.

“Great indeed is your strength!” replied Buddha and showed him a branch of a tree and asked him to break it.

Angulimal broke it.

“Can you join it back and make it a living thing?” asked Buddha.

“No,” replied the puzzled Angulimal, “I never thought of it.”

Buddha made his point, “What is so great about your strength? You can only destroy and kill, but you cannot give life!”

Angulimal understood. He fell at Buddha’s feet and became a changed person.

Life is a Gift, Living is an Art

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 4)

Values vs. Valuables

Values are permanent, but valuables are impermanent. Great values and noble virtues are permanent. Worldly wealth, however hard we may try to hold on to it, will never give us lasting solace. Even in today’s world, where the dollar is considered all-powerful, only a person of noble character with great ideals and readiness to sacrifice is truly respected. We may applaud a person for what he has, but we respect one for what he is. The difference must be understood clearly. If we only want to accumulate wealth all the time without caring about values, the wealth will not last; it will be lost soon. We must understand that it is values that make the valuables shine. Even the business world recognises credibility and ethics. People with values are respected and outshine others in any field.

Seek the Eternal

Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita that the right way of living is to seek Him: anityam asukham lokam imam prapya bhajaswa mam|. “Having obtained this impermanent and sorrowful world, seek Me.” The world we live in is only a passing show. There is no permanent happiness, only an appearance or illusion of happiness. Worldly joys never put an end to our sorrow and never give us peace of mind. They give us comforts, pleasures, thrills and excitement. But they tire us and drain us completely. So the Lord says, “Seek Me, the eternal.”

Life is a Gift, Living is an Art

#SwamiTejomayananda

(Part 5)

The Art of Right Living

Right living is an art. You may even call it a science if you prefer to see it that way. We should make good use of all things in life. They should not be misused, abused, or unused, but used to bless ourselves and bless others. That is the right way of living.

The #Bhagavad-gita teaches us this art of right living but unfortunately, people read the Gita only when a person dies! The dead cannot hear; the relatives are weeping and cannot hear; the priest who is appointed to read, does so for money, without heeding the message.The Gita contains profound and practical messages that teach us how to live. We should prepare ourselves to face life by studying the Gita. People procrastinate and think that they can read the Gita in their old age. What is the point of learning how to live, when it is time to leave?

Our Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda, made it his mission in life to teach us this knowledge, this art of living. The Chinmaya Mission continues to teach us how to transform our lives here and now. There are no promises of a heaven after death; the heavenly abode is right here. It is in our hands to make this life heavenly and blissful.

(end)