Whether you drive a BMW or Maruti, the road remains the same. Whether you fly Economy or Business Class, your destination doesn’t change. Whether you wear a Titan or Rolex, time remains the same. Whether you use a Samsung or Apple, the people who call you are the same. There is nothing wrong in dreaming about a luxurious life. What needs to be seen is that need doesn’t become greed, because needs can always be met… but greed can never be fulfilled.
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Sunday, December 3, 2017
Attachment
Love + Selfishness = Attachment
Attachment - Selfishness = Love
These equations are simple and help us understand that how love should be. If I say " I love something or someone" then I need to love the concept of that thing or the person. If I love a computer, I must be in a position to love it even if it is not working, if I love my computer as it does my work, then it is the attachment. Similarly, when people love each other and then they say that suddenly stop loving because the other person behaves in a particular manner, then how was it love in the first place, it was simply attachment. If I love a person and he/she intentionally does something to hurt me, should I stop loving him/her?
No, because love is an abstract concept. Only if one truely loves someone or something he/she will understand. Love has a major side effect, it takes away the ego! True love for a person, thing, nation, the deity would make one free from ego, it is indeed beautiful. Attachment is a human concept, but love is beyond the realms of the physical human nature.
Attachment - Selfishness = Love
These equations are simple and help us understand that how love should be. If I say " I love something or someone" then I need to love the concept of that thing or the person. If I love a computer, I must be in a position to love it even if it is not working, if I love my computer as it does my work, then it is the attachment. Similarly, when people love each other and then they say that suddenly stop loving because the other person behaves in a particular manner, then how was it love in the first place, it was simply attachment. If I love a person and he/she intentionally does something to hurt me, should I stop loving him/her?
No, because love is an abstract concept. Only if one truely loves someone or something he/she will understand. Love has a major side effect, it takes away the ego! True love for a person, thing, nation, the deity would make one free from ego, it is indeed beautiful. Attachment is a human concept, but love is beyond the realms of the physical human nature.
Tirtha yatra
'Tirtha', is commonly understood by us as a pilgrimage. Most of us think that it's simply a visit to a holy place, may be taking a dip in a holy river or a pond and things like that.‘Tirtha’ literally means a ford or a crossing, where crossing the river is easy; most of the temples in India are located at the banks of various rivers. It reflects the crossing over from one phase of life to another. The term 'Tirtha’ symbolizes the crossing from this world to the beyond, it symbolizes a place where God is closer and the results of worship are generous, where one's prayers are amplified.
So these Tirthas are not place specific, they are merely states of minds of people. We need to feel the Tirtha within ourselves only then the real motive will be solved. The state of mind after meeting a spiritually evolved being even in the middle of a brothel or a slaughter house (places which generally we consider as unholy) is also a Tirtha, that can be achieved any where and any time and by anyone of us. As Dharmarāj in Mahābharat described his uncle Vidur as a Tirtha himself, as he had evolved to an extent that by meeting one could experience the Tirtha.
For an actual Tirtha to happen there is no need to go some where, no need to meet some one, no need to take a dip in some water...Its the journey that takes you a step closer to yourself , closer to one's "Atmā " (one's inner continuousness). The spatial dimension of it helps, but it's certainly not the only way to be there.
For example if one visits the Kumbha mela, and due to his/her ego decides not to take a dip in the water (some of us don't take the dip as we feel that the water is dirty) but if that person is ready and evolved to accept the divinity of the time and space he/she will experience the cross over within, just by being at that part of the space. On the other hand if he/she doesn't go to the mela but is in a state of mind of cross over they are still experiencing a Tirtha.
So these Tirthas are not place specific, they are merely states of minds of people. We need to feel the Tirtha within ourselves only then the real motive will be solved. The state of mind after meeting a spiritually evolved being even in the middle of a brothel or a slaughter house (places which generally we consider as unholy) is also a Tirtha, that can be achieved any where and any time and by anyone of us. As Dharmarāj in Mahābharat described his uncle Vidur as a Tirtha himself, as he had evolved to an extent that by meeting one could experience the Tirtha.
For an actual Tirtha to happen there is no need to go some where, no need to meet some one, no need to take a dip in some water...Its the journey that takes you a step closer to yourself , closer to one's "Atmā " (one's inner continuousness). The spatial dimension of it helps, but it's certainly not the only way to be there.
For example if one visits the Kumbha mela, and due to his/her ego decides not to take a dip in the water (some of us don't take the dip as we feel that the water is dirty) but if that person is ready and evolved to accept the divinity of the time and space he/she will experience the cross over within, just by being at that part of the space. On the other hand if he/she doesn't go to the mela but is in a state of mind of cross over they are still experiencing a Tirtha.
Maya and real truth
We often hear, " the world is 'maya' an illusion" most of us
Interpret this maya as the material goods or wealth. But there is more to it. Once person starts doing yoga it is easy to overcome the craving for wealth, food, lust,fame and all these basic enemies. The next stage or the next test is to over come the higher maya. by higher maya the 'siddhis' a yogi slowly starts getting siddhis by practicing the pranayamas. these siddhis are like " Vach-siddhi" which means a blessed tongue or someone could be able to fly, or smell some divine smell. There is a long list of the siddhis. this is like a major test, over coming these is even more difficult. Today we see people who call them selves saints and use these siddhis. They end up using their energies for showing miracles for no good reasons,, but to satisfy their own egos or may be for gain (i do not know why they do it).
Why am i writing this? cos someone asked my "Why do you do yoga?" or may be "Why should someone do yoga?" I could not give a spontaneous answer, then I thought to my self and I just know it. Don't do yoga to achieve anything, don't do yoga to be immortal, don't do yoga to live a healthy life, do not do yoga for spiritual development, do not do yoga for being able to be better than others in any walk of life or don't even do yoga for attaining liberation "moksha" well these things might or might not happen to any of the yoga practitioners, that is not at all important. Do yoga only if you enjoy doing yoga and do it because you love to do it. As mentioned in the "bhagwat Geeta" do your deeds and do not expect any thing. Do your yoga just like you meet ur girlfriend/boyfriend, because you love to do it. Otherwise just don't do it.
Interpret this maya as the material goods or wealth. But there is more to it. Once person starts doing yoga it is easy to overcome the craving for wealth, food, lust,fame and all these basic enemies. The next stage or the next test is to over come the higher maya. by higher maya the 'siddhis' a yogi slowly starts getting siddhis by practicing the pranayamas. these siddhis are like " Vach-siddhi" which means a blessed tongue or someone could be able to fly, or smell some divine smell. There is a long list of the siddhis. this is like a major test, over coming these is even more difficult. Today we see people who call them selves saints and use these siddhis. They end up using their energies for showing miracles for no good reasons,, but to satisfy their own egos or may be for gain (i do not know why they do it).
Why am i writing this? cos someone asked my "Why do you do yoga?" or may be "Why should someone do yoga?" I could not give a spontaneous answer, then I thought to my self and I just know it. Don't do yoga to achieve anything, don't do yoga to be immortal, don't do yoga to live a healthy life, do not do yoga for spiritual development, do not do yoga for being able to be better than others in any walk of life or don't even do yoga for attaining liberation "moksha" well these things might or might not happen to any of the yoga practitioners, that is not at all important. Do yoga only if you enjoy doing yoga and do it because you love to do it. As mentioned in the "bhagwat Geeta" do your deeds and do not expect any thing. Do your yoga just like you meet ur girlfriend/boyfriend, because you love to do it. Otherwise just don't do it.
Sri Yukteshwar ji
I meet my Master, Sri Yukteswar .
Swamiji, I am puzzled about following your instruction. Suppose I never ask for food, and nobody gives me any. I should starve to death".
" Die then!" This alarming counsel split the air. Die if you must, Never believe that you live by the power of food and not by the power of God! He who has created every form of nourishment. He who has bestowed appetite, will inevitably see that His devotee is maintained. Do not imagine that rice sustains you nor that money or men support you. Could they aid if the Lord withdraws your life breath? They are His instruments merely. Is it by any skill of yours that food digests in your stomach? Use the sword of your discrimination, Cut through the chains of agency and perceive the Single Cause!"
Swamiji, I am puzzled about following your instruction. Suppose I never ask for food, and nobody gives me any. I should starve to death".
" Die then!" This alarming counsel split the air. Die if you must, Never believe that you live by the power of food and not by the power of God! He who has created every form of nourishment. He who has bestowed appetite, will inevitably see that His devotee is maintained. Do not imagine that rice sustains you nor that money or men support you. Could they aid if the Lord withdraws your life breath? They are His instruments merely. Is it by any skill of yours that food digests in your stomach? Use the sword of your discrimination, Cut through the chains of agency and perceive the Single Cause!"
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Temple
There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.
Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "*Garbhagriha*" or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.
Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or *poojaris* performing the pooja. The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the *Moolasthan*am / *Garbagraham*. *Theertham*, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not
plain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,*Karpura* (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), Clove, etc...Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & *Tulsi* leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and *Pachha Karpuram* (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that *Theertham* is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as *prasadam* to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the *Deepaaraadhana*, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.
Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava(Vishnu devotees), “must” visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location. Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life.
Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "*Garbhagriha*" or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.
Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or *poojaris* performing the pooja. The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the *Moolasthan*am / *Garbagraham*. *Theertham*, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not
plain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,*Karpura* (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), Clove, etc...Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & *Tulsi* leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and *Pachha Karpuram* (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that *Theertham* is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as *prasadam* to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the *Deepaaraadhana*, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.
Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava(Vishnu devotees), “must” visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location. Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life.
Friday, January 11, 2013
I choose to live by choice
I choose to live by choice, not by chance. Too many people live their lives by chance. They are afraid to make choices in their lives because they don’t want to make the wrong one, so rather than research their options, they let chance make the decision for them. Some live by chance because they don’t want to be responsible for the outcome; they would rather blame something or someone for what is happening in their live. Yet other’s live by chance because their confidence is low because they believed all the people in their lives that told them they were dumb; they were programmed to fail, so why bother.
I choose to make changes, not excuses. It’s easy to make excuses for your life. It is far easier to tell people why things are not happening, not working, not getting better, then to make the necessary changes. Making changes sometimes means leaving your comfort zone. It will at times take you into the unknown. Most fear the unknown, so they stay in places or with people that are predictable. It’s sometimes easier to know you will be hurt; then to leave and go out on your own where you are not sure you will be safe. The current pain is livable; you know that, because you have been living it for a long time.
I choose to be motivated, not manipulated. Yes, it is easier to allow someone to lead you around in life. To tell you what to do, to say and be; At times the path of least resistance is the one where someone else forges the way through and all you have to do is follow. How many people have followed their great leaders into death because they allowed themselves to be manipulated in to believing the leaders truth. They never took the time, energy or even interest in learning their own truth. People who walk in their own truth are motivated by it. Those who do not are manipulated by the truth of others.
I choose to be useful, not used. How many people do you know who don’t have boundaries; who don’t know how to say no when they don’t really want to help their friend move; who do everything they can for other’s in order to be liked or loved? Those things although useful, also leave you feeling used in live. Living a life of being used does not give energy to yourself or any other part of life. It robs you of your peace and happiness, while at the same time enables others on their path of destruction. Many times it robs others of lessons they need to learn on their own. So, the next time you really don’t want to be used, you may want to say, “Thank you for the opportunity, but I think I will pass.”
I choose to excel, not compete. Competition is the one thing in live that will stop you in your tracks every time. When you are competing with others your focus is taken away from your own growth. I tell my students all the time, everyone grows and learns, not only in different ways, but at different speeds. You can not compare yourself with the other students in the class. Life is our classroom, therefore it is important that we take the ability of excel into our lives. We can only do that when we stop competing. Competing says I am more concerned with your failure, than I am with my success. There is something seriously wrong with that picture.
I choose self-esteem, not self pity. We have all had our share of pity parties. I know I had one myself just last month when I broke four bones in my foot because of something stupid, but I choose not to stay in that party to long. I am self aware enough to know that self pity is a very destructive thing. It will remind you of all the mistakes, the missed opportunities, the pain of all of the past and the fear of the future of you allow yourself to stay there to long. It will rob you of your self-esteem and leave you in a heap on the floor. Self-esteem comes from liking yourself, loving yourself and being your own best friend. Self-esteem shows one their pride in their accomplishments in life and it lifts you up right out of that pity party. It says to you, “come on now, what are you doing down there. Don’t you know there is a lot to get done and people who depend on you. Get up and get going; life is short and you’re missing out; that is what you call a party….”
I choose to listen to my inner voice, not the random opinions of others. Truth your gut; you know what is best for you more than anyone else on this planet. Actually off of this planet as well, for those of you who communicate with spirit. Others can only give you their point of view which they created through research on the subject or maybe their own personal experiences. It is important to remember no two people will ever have the exact same experience, because they are both bringing different back grounds to the table. No two marriages are the same, no two divorces are the same, no two ways of raising children are the same; and no two spiritual paths are the same. That is why we must explore many paths to find the one that resonates with us; the inner us; our soul. You must follow your own truth, for that is the only way you can live your authentic life.
I choose to live by choice, not by chance;
I choose to make changes, not excuses;
I choose to be motivated, not manipulated;
I choose to be useful, not used;
I choose to excel, not compete;
I choose self-esteem, not self pity;
I choose to listen to my inner voice, not the random opinions of others…….
I choose……
I choose to make changes, not excuses. It’s easy to make excuses for your life. It is far easier to tell people why things are not happening, not working, not getting better, then to make the necessary changes. Making changes sometimes means leaving your comfort zone. It will at times take you into the unknown. Most fear the unknown, so they stay in places or with people that are predictable. It’s sometimes easier to know you will be hurt; then to leave and go out on your own where you are not sure you will be safe. The current pain is livable; you know that, because you have been living it for a long time.
I choose to be motivated, not manipulated. Yes, it is easier to allow someone to lead you around in life. To tell you what to do, to say and be; At times the path of least resistance is the one where someone else forges the way through and all you have to do is follow. How many people have followed their great leaders into death because they allowed themselves to be manipulated in to believing the leaders truth. They never took the time, energy or even interest in learning their own truth. People who walk in their own truth are motivated by it. Those who do not are manipulated by the truth of others.
I choose to be useful, not used. How many people do you know who don’t have boundaries; who don’t know how to say no when they don’t really want to help their friend move; who do everything they can for other’s in order to be liked or loved? Those things although useful, also leave you feeling used in live. Living a life of being used does not give energy to yourself or any other part of life. It robs you of your peace and happiness, while at the same time enables others on their path of destruction. Many times it robs others of lessons they need to learn on their own. So, the next time you really don’t want to be used, you may want to say, “Thank you for the opportunity, but I think I will pass.”
I choose to excel, not compete. Competition is the one thing in live that will stop you in your tracks every time. When you are competing with others your focus is taken away from your own growth. I tell my students all the time, everyone grows and learns, not only in different ways, but at different speeds. You can not compare yourself with the other students in the class. Life is our classroom, therefore it is important that we take the ability of excel into our lives. We can only do that when we stop competing. Competing says I am more concerned with your failure, than I am with my success. There is something seriously wrong with that picture.
I choose self-esteem, not self pity. We have all had our share of pity parties. I know I had one myself just last month when I broke four bones in my foot because of something stupid, but I choose not to stay in that party to long. I am self aware enough to know that self pity is a very destructive thing. It will remind you of all the mistakes, the missed opportunities, the pain of all of the past and the fear of the future of you allow yourself to stay there to long. It will rob you of your self-esteem and leave you in a heap on the floor. Self-esteem comes from liking yourself, loving yourself and being your own best friend. Self-esteem shows one their pride in their accomplishments in life and it lifts you up right out of that pity party. It says to you, “come on now, what are you doing down there. Don’t you know there is a lot to get done and people who depend on you. Get up and get going; life is short and you’re missing out; that is what you call a party….”
I choose to listen to my inner voice, not the random opinions of others. Truth your gut; you know what is best for you more than anyone else on this planet. Actually off of this planet as well, for those of you who communicate with spirit. Others can only give you their point of view which they created through research on the subject or maybe their own personal experiences. It is important to remember no two people will ever have the exact same experience, because they are both bringing different back grounds to the table. No two marriages are the same, no two divorces are the same, no two ways of raising children are the same; and no two spiritual paths are the same. That is why we must explore many paths to find the one that resonates with us; the inner us; our soul. You must follow your own truth, for that is the only way you can live your authentic life.
I choose to live by choice, not by chance;
I choose to make changes, not excuses;
I choose to be motivated, not manipulated;
I choose to be useful, not used;
I choose to excel, not compete;
I choose self-esteem, not self pity;
I choose to listen to my inner voice, not the random opinions of others…….
I choose……
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