Compassion in action is paradoxical and mysterious. It is absolute yet continually changing. It accepts that everything is happening exactly as it should, and yet it works with a full-hearted commitment to change. It sets goals but knows that the process is all there is. It is joyful in the midst of suffering and hopeful in the face o...f overwhelming odds. It is simple in a world of complexity and confusion. It is done for others, but it nurtures the self. It shields in order to be strong. It intends to eliminate suffering, knowing that suffering is limitless. It is action arising from emptiness.
When we look at the vast sadness and suffering in the world, we often experience intense pain in our hearts. The suffering so often seems cruel, unnecessary, and unjustified - reflecting a heartless universe. The human greed and fear that are causing much of the suffering seem out of control. But when our hearts open in the midst of this, we want to help. This is the experience of compassion.
Compassion is the tender opening of our hearts to pain and suffering. When compassion arises in us, we see and acknowledge what we often push away - the parts of life that cause us sadness, anger, or outrage. The powerful awakening of our own compassion can tune us not just to the nurturing and sustaining forces of the world but to the oppressive and destructive ones as well. When we open to these directly and become familiar with them, instead of avoiding them as we often do, we are momre likely to hear ways to respond with love and support to relieve the suffering. When the pain is our own, we want to end it. If we can't do this by ourselves, we long for help. When it is not our cry, but someone else's, compassion allows us to feel it as our own, to feel the same longing, to hear our hearts calling us to help. The Dalai Lama has said, "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot service. With them, we can make a joint effort to solve the problems of the whole of humankind." - Ram Dass
Darwin's Perspective: Compassion is something that every human being can relate to no matter their position in life. It is something that we all know and understand. We understand what it is to be compassionate and well feel what it is like when others have shown compassion towards us in our time of need. But "compassion in action" is another thing all together.
Compassion in action calls us to choose love in our everyday lives. There is ample opportunity to be compassionate in each day. In ways both big and small, there are countless opportunities to make compassion a verb. It is something we do rather than experience. Compassion is one way we unify the purpose of Humanity to choose love and unite Humanity.
But why be compassionate? It is certainly not an obligation. There is no dogma or rule that requires us to be compassionate. No one fears retribution from God for not being compassionate. And with our compassionate acts being delivered "in the moment," we don't often experience the after effect. Often times our compassion in action is a moment in time that makes differences that we never get a chance to truly experience. Compassion is choosing love without expectation.
But this is precisely what will change the world! When we put our compassion in action without expectation, we choose love and unite Humanity with our actions. And this is where the transformation of Humanity occurs. In the moment when you choose love without expectation, you give love. This is the ultimate purpose of your life and compassion in action is one way you can put choosing love into your day.
Jai Gurudev
24/05/2011
18/05/2011
Spiritual Growth,Benefits And Doubts
It so happens that most of us do aspire to grow spiritually, but find ourselves getting stuck very easily,and are unable to get out of our mind set effortlessly and so give up.
Here is a very useful post on tips and valuable suggestions for spiritual growth.Read on....
Spiritual Growth Benefits, Tips and Suggestions By Remez Sasson
Spiritual growth is an important inner process, not only for people who live in far away and secluded places, and who seek spiritual awakening. Spiritual growth is of paramount importance for a better, happier and more harmonious life, free of tension and strain, fear and anxiety.
Spiritual growth is the process of getting rid of wrong concepts, thoughts and beliefs about who we are and about the world in which we live. Through this process we increase our awareness of our true inner being, the true spirit that we are. It is a process of looking inside us, shedding our illusions and uncovering our true essence, which is always present, but hidden beyond the ego-personality.
Why should we be interested in spiritual growth? What are the signs that we are growing spiritually? What are the benefits? Here are a few signs and benefits:
# We develop detachment, which leads to inner peace.
# We learn not to let outside circumstance affect our moods and states of mind.
# We become more patient and tolerant.
# We learn to rise above frustration, disappointment and negative feelings.
# Inner power and strength increase.
# This process leads to increased feeling of happiness.
# Our intuition gets sharper.
# We become better citizens of the world.
# Our understanding of our inner essence, what we are, and why we are here grows.
How can one grow spiritually? The term spiritual growth is not really correct. The spirit is perfect and does not need to grow. It is a term that describes a process of becoming more aware of what and who we are, growing to look at our life and circumstances from a different, more detached point of view, and of putting things into the proper perspective. It is a process of shedding negative and limiting habits, thoughts and beliefs, and letting the inner self within us shine out.
Imagine a radiant bulb of light, hidden beneath layers of various materials. To let the light of the bulb shine out and illuminate the surroundings, you do not have to strengthen the light or change the bulb. All you have to do is to take away the layers that are covering it. As you remove layer after layer the light shines more radiantly and strongly.
How do you remove the layers that are covering the light of your inner self? You do so through positive thinking, reading spiritual literature, reading spiritual quotes, and by practicing concentration, meditation and other inner training techniques. If you browse this website, you will find a lot of information, advice and instructions for spiritual growth.
Here are a few suggestions to start you on the road of spiritual growth:
# Acknowledge the fact that you are a spirit with a physical body, not a physical body with a spirit. If you can accept this idea, it will change your attitude toward many things in your life
# Look inside you, and try to find out what it is that makes you feel alive.
# Make an effort to think positively. If you find yourself thinking negatively, immediately direct your mind to thinking on something positive. Open the door for the positive and close it for the negative.
# Always try to look at the bright side of life. Your inner self is stronger than your circumstances. Don't let circumstances and situations dictate to you how to feel or think.
# Endeavor to focus your attention on everything you do, instead of letting your attention go wherever it desires.
# Start learning and practicing meditation.
# Do your best to be tolerant, patient, tactful and considerate.
# Thank the Universe for everything that you get.
Be greatful to all those who have helped you at some point in life.Pray for those whom you know and don't know(Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu)and be sure your PRAYERS WILL BE ANSWERED!!!!
Jai Gurudev..
Many thanks to the person who created this post.
Here is a very useful post on tips and valuable suggestions for spiritual growth.Read on....
Spiritual Growth Benefits, Tips and Suggestions By Remez Sasson
Spiritual growth is an important inner process, not only for people who live in far away and secluded places, and who seek spiritual awakening. Spiritual growth is of paramount importance for a better, happier and more harmonious life, free of tension and strain, fear and anxiety.
Spiritual growth is the process of getting rid of wrong concepts, thoughts and beliefs about who we are and about the world in which we live. Through this process we increase our awareness of our true inner being, the true spirit that we are. It is a process of looking inside us, shedding our illusions and uncovering our true essence, which is always present, but hidden beyond the ego-personality.
Why should we be interested in spiritual growth? What are the signs that we are growing spiritually? What are the benefits? Here are a few signs and benefits:
# We develop detachment, which leads to inner peace.
# We learn not to let outside circumstance affect our moods and states of mind.
# We become more patient and tolerant.
# We learn to rise above frustration, disappointment and negative feelings.
# Inner power and strength increase.
# This process leads to increased feeling of happiness.
# Our intuition gets sharper.
# We become better citizens of the world.
# Our understanding of our inner essence, what we are, and why we are here grows.
How can one grow spiritually? The term spiritual growth is not really correct. The spirit is perfect and does not need to grow. It is a term that describes a process of becoming more aware of what and who we are, growing to look at our life and circumstances from a different, more detached point of view, and of putting things into the proper perspective. It is a process of shedding negative and limiting habits, thoughts and beliefs, and letting the inner self within us shine out.
Imagine a radiant bulb of light, hidden beneath layers of various materials. To let the light of the bulb shine out and illuminate the surroundings, you do not have to strengthen the light or change the bulb. All you have to do is to take away the layers that are covering it. As you remove layer after layer the light shines more radiantly and strongly.
How do you remove the layers that are covering the light of your inner self? You do so through positive thinking, reading spiritual literature, reading spiritual quotes, and by practicing concentration, meditation and other inner training techniques. If you browse this website, you will find a lot of information, advice and instructions for spiritual growth.
Here are a few suggestions to start you on the road of spiritual growth:
# Acknowledge the fact that you are a spirit with a physical body, not a physical body with a spirit. If you can accept this idea, it will change your attitude toward many things in your life
# Look inside you, and try to find out what it is that makes you feel alive.
# Make an effort to think positively. If you find yourself thinking negatively, immediately direct your mind to thinking on something positive. Open the door for the positive and close it for the negative.
# Always try to look at the bright side of life. Your inner self is stronger than your circumstances. Don't let circumstances and situations dictate to you how to feel or think.
# Endeavor to focus your attention on everything you do, instead of letting your attention go wherever it desires.
# Start learning and practicing meditation.
# Do your best to be tolerant, patient, tactful and considerate.
# Thank the Universe for everything that you get.
Be greatful to all those who have helped you at some point in life.Pray for those whom you know and don't know(Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu)and be sure your PRAYERS WILL BE ANSWERED!!!!
Jai Gurudev..
Many thanks to the person who created this post.
Finding Your True Purpose
Finding Your True Purpose Eckhart Tolle Teachings...
For anyone who has risen above the level of mere survival in day to day life, the sense of purpose and meaning become important. The less gripped you are by the need to survive – or simply the perception that you need to survive – you are free, spiritually and psychologically speaking, to pursue purpose and even to be led by it.
Take a quick moment to evaluate your life on the basis of these descriptions:
Do you feel consumed by the demands of your job or schoolwork (or both)?
Does it seem at the end of each day that you have been running a race of time, frantically trying to do everything on some mental list of required accomplishments?
Do you suffer from stress of any kind on a regular basis?
Do you feel that you and your life are stagnant, the opposite of frantic running, wallowing instead in inaction, boredom, despair, negativity or depression?
Or, if you have said no to all the above, do you feel that your life lacks a sense of meaning and purpose, that you don't know how to find it?
If any of these descriptions apply to you, then consciously or unconsciously, something is blocking your connection to meaning and purpose. That something is most likely you.
It may be that you are still living in survival mode (which may be true if any of the first four descriptions applied to you). If this is the case, then it is very important that you take a good look at your priorities in life. Spend several days pondering this question all through the day: "What am I making most important in my day right now?" You may be very surprised by what you find. Be honest with yourself and write down what you learn. Notice also how you feel about these most important things you fill your days with. How satisfying and fulfilling are they? How many unnecessary activities are unsatisfying to you? Take special note of those. They are the activities you can drop altogether. As you do, you will free up time and inner space from which you can begin to contact and develop your sense of purpose.
Your true purpose already exists, that's the good news. You do not have to create it and it's not a matter of choosing it. Purpose is something you discover within yourself in the space of stillness. This is the only way you can find it, in your own stillness, not in a book or a workshop or in the analysis of your dreams. You must go within and be with yourself in stillness and there you will discover the purpose that has been waiting for you all along.
Take this opportunity to be a detective of your own life, doing the practice described above.
Jai Gurudev....
For anyone who has risen above the level of mere survival in day to day life, the sense of purpose and meaning become important. The less gripped you are by the need to survive – or simply the perception that you need to survive – you are free, spiritually and psychologically speaking, to pursue purpose and even to be led by it.
Take a quick moment to evaluate your life on the basis of these descriptions:
Do you feel consumed by the demands of your job or schoolwork (or both)?
Does it seem at the end of each day that you have been running a race of time, frantically trying to do everything on some mental list of required accomplishments?
Do you suffer from stress of any kind on a regular basis?
Do you feel that you and your life are stagnant, the opposite of frantic running, wallowing instead in inaction, boredom, despair, negativity or depression?
Or, if you have said no to all the above, do you feel that your life lacks a sense of meaning and purpose, that you don't know how to find it?
If any of these descriptions apply to you, then consciously or unconsciously, something is blocking your connection to meaning and purpose. That something is most likely you.
It may be that you are still living in survival mode (which may be true if any of the first four descriptions applied to you). If this is the case, then it is very important that you take a good look at your priorities in life. Spend several days pondering this question all through the day: "What am I making most important in my day right now?" You may be very surprised by what you find. Be honest with yourself and write down what you learn. Notice also how you feel about these most important things you fill your days with. How satisfying and fulfilling are they? How many unnecessary activities are unsatisfying to you? Take special note of those. They are the activities you can drop altogether. As you do, you will free up time and inner space from which you can begin to contact and develop your sense of purpose.
Your true purpose already exists, that's the good news. You do not have to create it and it's not a matter of choosing it. Purpose is something you discover within yourself in the space of stillness. This is the only way you can find it, in your own stillness, not in a book or a workshop or in the analysis of your dreams. You must go within and be with yourself in stillness and there you will discover the purpose that has been waiting for you all along.
Take this opportunity to be a detective of your own life, doing the practice described above.
Jai Gurudev....
14/05/2011
The Art of God-Symbolism Radha and Krishna
Wanted to post this excellent article by Swami Chinmayananda which I just read,and my heartfelt thanks to the original uploader.
Swami Chinmayananda - The Art of God-Symbolism Radha and Krishna
The love of Radha and Krishna is symbolic of the eternal love affair between the devoted mortal and the Divine Radha's yearning for union with her beloved Krishna is the soul's longing for spiritual awakening."
Every aspect of Krishna and His deeds is pregnant with deep mystical symbolism indicating the highest Truth. One must have the subtle-sensitivity of a poet, the ruthless intellect of a scientist, and the soft heart of the beloved in order to enter into the enchanted realm of mysticism. Art can be fully appreciated only by hearts that have art in them.
In Sanskrit, the world Krishna means "dark", indicating the Supreme Consciousness. Pure Consciousness is said to be "dark", not as opposed to "light," but in the sense that it is unseen by or unknown to one as long as one remains footed in earthly experiences, experiences limited to the realms of perceptions, emotions, and thoughts gained through the physical body, and the intellect.
Consciousness is the pure Self, the sentient Life Principle which enlivens one's material equipments to function in their respective realms. Consciousness is the very subject of all experiences and therefore cannot be objectively experienced.
The incarnation of Krishna represents the descent of the infinite Brahman to the material world. The ever-smiling, lotus-eyed Krishna with a garland of flowers around His neck is described as being blue in color and wearing yellow clothes. Blue is the color of the infinite and whatever is immeasurable can appear to the mortal eyes only as blue. Vast expanses in nature, such as the sky at midday or the ocean at its depths, appears blue to human perception. Yellow represents the earth. Anything buried in the earth gathers a yellowish hue; and in fire, earth (mud, silica) emits a yellow hue. Hence the blue form of Krishna clothed in yellow appropriately suggests pure, infinite Consciousness come down to earth to play in His finite form.
This infinite Lord dwells in the core of our persona¬lity as the very Self in us, for whatever exists in the macrocosm also takes place within the human heart, or the microcosm. The one infinite Reality has become the world of endless forms. Therefore, every form in the universe is, in a sense, but a representation of the primeval Truth.
The infinite, all-pervading Truth, donning the finite form of a human being, gives the impression that the Truth is fettered and limited. This idea of the illimitable Truth seeming to be limited is well brought out by the fact that Krishna is said to have been born in prison. His tyrant uncle, Kamsa, imprisoned Krishna's father, usurped the throne of Mathura, and reigned along with his own cruel minister, Chanura. As long as these two men were in charge of Mathura, there was confusion and chaos everywhere. Krishna destroyed the tyrants and restored peace and order in the land. Similarly, our bosom is usurped by two evil forces, namely, the ego and egocentric desires, which cause agitations, worries, and anxieties within. When these two forces are conquered by one's higher nature, the original glory and splendor of the pure Self is restored,
Krishna, as the Consciousness, or Atman, resides in the core of one's personality. It remains confined, as it were, within the five layers of matter constituting the human personality (food, vital air, mental, intellectual, and bliss sheaths). However, Atman, being subtler than the matter vestures, is not bound or limited by them.
Though the infinite Being seems to be limited and confined to a human embodiment, it is ever free and un-contaminated. The pure Self within is never affected or bound by one's material equipment (upadhis), that is, the body, mind, and intellect. Though the divine child Krishna was born in prison, neither the iron bars nor the prison guards could confine Him. Vasudeva, His father, safely carried Him out of prison in spite of the severe restrictions imposed upon him.
Krishna is described as the infinite, omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient Reality. Yet His revered mother Yashoda saw only her child in Him. On one occasion, the little boy Krishna was suspected of having eaten mud. The mother chided Him, but the boy denied having eaten mud. Krishna was only telling the truth, for the earth is included in His universal form. He is the Whole.
How can the Whole Being eat its own part? The eater and the eaten cannot be one and the same. The Lord tried to explain, but the mother could not measure the magnitude and stature of His Infinite Being in her own child. Upon her insistence, the boy opened His tiny mouth and revealed, to her utter amazement, the entire universe within.
Lord Krishna plays the flute, producing enchanting music. The flute, by itself, cannot create music. It is an inert, insentient piece of matter. But when the Lord plays it, divine music emanates from it and enchants everyone. Similarly, the human body is, by itself, inert and insentient. It contains the sense organs and the mind-intellect equipment (the holes in the flute) through which the Consciousness expresses Itself. Radha's Love for Krishna.
It is said that, long ago, Krishna left His dwelling place in the highest heaven. He came to earth, bringing with Him the things and inhabitants of that idyllic paradise of peace: cow, peacocks, nightingales, and the cowherds and milkmaids (gopis) who loved Him.
Krishna the beloved boy of Brindavan, is pictured amid the dancing gopis. Much criticism has been leveled against Krishna's association with these milkmaids. Little do the critics realize that the Lord is ever an unconcerned and unaffected witness of the milkmaids' dance, even though He may be in their midst. Krishna is like the Consciousness within, which vitalizes one's thoughts (gopis) but remains unperturbed and unaffected by them. The self is ever immaculate, uncontaminated by the thoughts in one's bosom. Thus, if the lives of such god-men are read without understanding their mystical symbolism one comes to wrong, and at times absurd, conclusions.
The gopis performed their obligatory duties throughout the day in constant remembrance of Krishna. Their limbs were ceaselessly engaged in activity, while their minds were ever attuned to the Lord. This, in short, is the essence of Karma Yoga, that is, the dedication of one's actions to a higher altar working without ego and egocentric desires. Such activities exhaust one's existing vasanas (inherent tendencies) and also prevent the formation of any new vasanas. When one thus strives hard and reduces his vasanas to the minimum, their last lingering traces are liquidated by the Lord Himself, even without one's knowledge. Hence Krishna is also described as a thief stealing the butter which the gopis had carefully stored in their apartments.
The most beautiful and the most beloved of all gopis was Radha. The love of Radha and Krishna is symbolic of the eternal love affair between the devoted mortal and the Divine. In relation to God, it is said that we are all women. Radha's yearning for union with her beloved Krishna is the soul's longing for spiritual awaking to be united with the one Source of peace and bliss from which it has become separated. This long-forgotten pain of separation is the root cause of all suffering. To rediscover our Oneness is the source of all happiness and fulfillment. In this sense, Krishna is the fulfillment of all desires.
Every human being is constantly seeking a share of peace and happiness, and since one does not know the real source of these, one seeks them in the midst of sense objects. But when, in devotion, one comes to turn one's entire attention towards the higher and the nobler, one experiences the Immortal, the Infinite—as intimately as one experienced the world and its changes before. Bhagawan Himself says in the Bhagavatam: "The mind that constantly contemplates upon the sense objects irresistibly comes to revel in their finite joys, and the mind that learns to constantly remember Me comes to dissolve into Me and revel in Me". Radha represents this state of devotion and consequent merging with the Lord.
Jai Gurudev.
Swami Chinmayananda - The Art of God-Symbolism Radha and Krishna
The love of Radha and Krishna is symbolic of the eternal love affair between the devoted mortal and the Divine Radha's yearning for union with her beloved Krishna is the soul's longing for spiritual awakening."
Every aspect of Krishna and His deeds is pregnant with deep mystical symbolism indicating the highest Truth. One must have the subtle-sensitivity of a poet, the ruthless intellect of a scientist, and the soft heart of the beloved in order to enter into the enchanted realm of mysticism. Art can be fully appreciated only by hearts that have art in them.
In Sanskrit, the world Krishna means "dark", indicating the Supreme Consciousness. Pure Consciousness is said to be "dark", not as opposed to "light," but in the sense that it is unseen by or unknown to one as long as one remains footed in earthly experiences, experiences limited to the realms of perceptions, emotions, and thoughts gained through the physical body, and the intellect.
Consciousness is the pure Self, the sentient Life Principle which enlivens one's material equipments to function in their respective realms. Consciousness is the very subject of all experiences and therefore cannot be objectively experienced.
The incarnation of Krishna represents the descent of the infinite Brahman to the material world. The ever-smiling, lotus-eyed Krishna with a garland of flowers around His neck is described as being blue in color and wearing yellow clothes. Blue is the color of the infinite and whatever is immeasurable can appear to the mortal eyes only as blue. Vast expanses in nature, such as the sky at midday or the ocean at its depths, appears blue to human perception. Yellow represents the earth. Anything buried in the earth gathers a yellowish hue; and in fire, earth (mud, silica) emits a yellow hue. Hence the blue form of Krishna clothed in yellow appropriately suggests pure, infinite Consciousness come down to earth to play in His finite form.
This infinite Lord dwells in the core of our persona¬lity as the very Self in us, for whatever exists in the macrocosm also takes place within the human heart, or the microcosm. The one infinite Reality has become the world of endless forms. Therefore, every form in the universe is, in a sense, but a representation of the primeval Truth.
The infinite, all-pervading Truth, donning the finite form of a human being, gives the impression that the Truth is fettered and limited. This idea of the illimitable Truth seeming to be limited is well brought out by the fact that Krishna is said to have been born in prison. His tyrant uncle, Kamsa, imprisoned Krishna's father, usurped the throne of Mathura, and reigned along with his own cruel minister, Chanura. As long as these two men were in charge of Mathura, there was confusion and chaos everywhere. Krishna destroyed the tyrants and restored peace and order in the land. Similarly, our bosom is usurped by two evil forces, namely, the ego and egocentric desires, which cause agitations, worries, and anxieties within. When these two forces are conquered by one's higher nature, the original glory and splendor of the pure Self is restored,
Krishna, as the Consciousness, or Atman, resides in the core of one's personality. It remains confined, as it were, within the five layers of matter constituting the human personality (food, vital air, mental, intellectual, and bliss sheaths). However, Atman, being subtler than the matter vestures, is not bound or limited by them.
Though the infinite Being seems to be limited and confined to a human embodiment, it is ever free and un-contaminated. The pure Self within is never affected or bound by one's material equipment (upadhis), that is, the body, mind, and intellect. Though the divine child Krishna was born in prison, neither the iron bars nor the prison guards could confine Him. Vasudeva, His father, safely carried Him out of prison in spite of the severe restrictions imposed upon him.
Krishna is described as the infinite, omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient Reality. Yet His revered mother Yashoda saw only her child in Him. On one occasion, the little boy Krishna was suspected of having eaten mud. The mother chided Him, but the boy denied having eaten mud. Krishna was only telling the truth, for the earth is included in His universal form. He is the Whole.
How can the Whole Being eat its own part? The eater and the eaten cannot be one and the same. The Lord tried to explain, but the mother could not measure the magnitude and stature of His Infinite Being in her own child. Upon her insistence, the boy opened His tiny mouth and revealed, to her utter amazement, the entire universe within.
Lord Krishna plays the flute, producing enchanting music. The flute, by itself, cannot create music. It is an inert, insentient piece of matter. But when the Lord plays it, divine music emanates from it and enchants everyone. Similarly, the human body is, by itself, inert and insentient. It contains the sense organs and the mind-intellect equipment (the holes in the flute) through which the Consciousness expresses Itself. Radha's Love for Krishna.
It is said that, long ago, Krishna left His dwelling place in the highest heaven. He came to earth, bringing with Him the things and inhabitants of that idyllic paradise of peace: cow, peacocks, nightingales, and the cowherds and milkmaids (gopis) who loved Him.
Krishna the beloved boy of Brindavan, is pictured amid the dancing gopis. Much criticism has been leveled against Krishna's association with these milkmaids. Little do the critics realize that the Lord is ever an unconcerned and unaffected witness of the milkmaids' dance, even though He may be in their midst. Krishna is like the Consciousness within, which vitalizes one's thoughts (gopis) but remains unperturbed and unaffected by them. The self is ever immaculate, uncontaminated by the thoughts in one's bosom. Thus, if the lives of such god-men are read without understanding their mystical symbolism one comes to wrong, and at times absurd, conclusions.
The gopis performed their obligatory duties throughout the day in constant remembrance of Krishna. Their limbs were ceaselessly engaged in activity, while their minds were ever attuned to the Lord. This, in short, is the essence of Karma Yoga, that is, the dedication of one's actions to a higher altar working without ego and egocentric desires. Such activities exhaust one's existing vasanas (inherent tendencies) and also prevent the formation of any new vasanas. When one thus strives hard and reduces his vasanas to the minimum, their last lingering traces are liquidated by the Lord Himself, even without one's knowledge. Hence Krishna is also described as a thief stealing the butter which the gopis had carefully stored in their apartments.
The most beautiful and the most beloved of all gopis was Radha. The love of Radha and Krishna is symbolic of the eternal love affair between the devoted mortal and the Divine. In relation to God, it is said that we are all women. Radha's yearning for union with her beloved Krishna is the soul's longing for spiritual awaking to be united with the one Source of peace and bliss from which it has become separated. This long-forgotten pain of separation is the root cause of all suffering. To rediscover our Oneness is the source of all happiness and fulfillment. In this sense, Krishna is the fulfillment of all desires.
Every human being is constantly seeking a share of peace and happiness, and since one does not know the real source of these, one seeks them in the midst of sense objects. But when, in devotion, one comes to turn one's entire attention towards the higher and the nobler, one experiences the Immortal, the Infinite—as intimately as one experienced the world and its changes before. Bhagawan Himself says in the Bhagavatam: "The mind that constantly contemplates upon the sense objects irresistibly comes to revel in their finite joys, and the mind that learns to constantly remember Me comes to dissolve into Me and revel in Me". Radha represents this state of devotion and consequent merging with the Lord.
Jai Gurudev.
MaiTera,Tera Mai,....13th May
That is what Guruji declared 55 years before on the 13th May(his birthday).
Every year this day is so special for the members of the One World Family(Vasudeiva Kutumbakam).This year too the Abudhabi chapter had organised DIVYOTSAV... which indeed was "Athi Divya Utsav"!!
The day started with long Kriya which was truly,truly awesome for me,because during the whole Kriya I actually could feel Guruji's presence in that hall.
Guruji always says when we give our 100% everything else is taken care of,and sure I did experience this, that morning.At this point,I am reminded of my dear teacher who used to say that everyday is a miracle when you are in this path.It is just that we need to be aware and acknowledge and be greatful to our dear guruji for every moment of our lives,and that sure happens so naturally and effortlessly,once we are on the right path.
As mentioned above the day started with long Kriya which was at 6.30 am and then after Kriya and Guru Pooja there was a gap of about almost 3 hours before satsangh.The day before I did for a while get a bit anxious as to what we would do and where to go for the three hours because driving home and then back was not such an easy option for DH.Anyways, on the 13th morning we just got ready and reached the venue for the Kriya,leaving everything to Guruji.After the Kriya,there was a guruji sent person (just for us)who stays close to our home.He was more than willing to give us a lift and also back for the satsangh.We were at home to watch the live web cast too of the morning devi pooja at the ashram in the presence of Guruji.It was again wonderful and I was truly happy to chant the Lalitha Sahasranamam along with all those chanting at the ashram (Bangalore). Isn't that cool???
It amazes me how Guruji takes care of all of us and makes sure that we are in total comfort.Guruji always says "be sure when you on this path everything will be taken care of"!!We see it happening all the time.That is so overwhelming.Am full of gratitude for the Master for taking care of all my needs.
The morning session started with the very sweet birthday song "Tera Main" and dance by the little angels,there was a little Guruji there too,looking very,very sweet indeed!!!
Next was an amazing mimicry performance by one of the young ladies which was unbeilevably awesome.She spoke in different accents and languages.The theme was sharing experiences after the basic course.Her performance was simply superlative.
The icing on the cake was Satsangh with Namita Malik ji,who had come from India.This was soul stirring,and I do wonder if there were people who could resist dancing in that hall.I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.Another miracle I would like to share here is that a couple of days earlier I had hurt my right foot,I don't how though during my morning walk.I was actually limping,even Friday morning there was pain,but then I just needed to get up dance and be with myself. The pain in my foot just vanished.:))
The Art Of living Abudhabi made sure we all remember that we are all children of God and our dear master,by giving us return gifts(Guruji'photo in a lovely frame) on our way out after the super duper birthday celebration.All of us walked out with gifts in our hand and so much of joy and happiness in our hearts.I sure don't remember too many occasions where I received return gifts for birthdays.....
A great day sure and one that will stay with me for a long long time.....
Jai Jai Radha Ramana Hari Bol,Jai Jai Radha Ramana Hari bol,watch this in Guruji's divine voice in the link
Jai Gurudev...
Every year this day is so special for the members of the One World Family(Vasudeiva Kutumbakam).This year too the Abudhabi chapter had organised DIVYOTSAV... which indeed was "Athi Divya Utsav"!!
The day started with long Kriya which was truly,truly awesome for me,because during the whole Kriya I actually could feel Guruji's presence in that hall.
Guruji always says when we give our 100% everything else is taken care of,and sure I did experience this, that morning.At this point,I am reminded of my dear teacher who used to say that everyday is a miracle when you are in this path.It is just that we need to be aware and acknowledge and be greatful to our dear guruji for every moment of our lives,and that sure happens so naturally and effortlessly,once we are on the right path.
As mentioned above the day started with long Kriya which was at 6.30 am and then after Kriya and Guru Pooja there was a gap of about almost 3 hours before satsangh.The day before I did for a while get a bit anxious as to what we would do and where to go for the three hours because driving home and then back was not such an easy option for DH.Anyways, on the 13th morning we just got ready and reached the venue for the Kriya,leaving everything to Guruji.After the Kriya,there was a guruji sent person (just for us)who stays close to our home.He was more than willing to give us a lift and also back for the satsangh.We were at home to watch the live web cast too of the morning devi pooja at the ashram in the presence of Guruji.It was again wonderful and I was truly happy to chant the Lalitha Sahasranamam along with all those chanting at the ashram (Bangalore). Isn't that cool???
It amazes me how Guruji takes care of all of us and makes sure that we are in total comfort.Guruji always says "be sure when you on this path everything will be taken care of"!!We see it happening all the time.That is so overwhelming.Am full of gratitude for the Master for taking care of all my needs.
The morning session started with the very sweet birthday song "Tera Main" and dance by the little angels,there was a little Guruji there too,looking very,very sweet indeed!!!
Next was an amazing mimicry performance by one of the young ladies which was unbeilevably awesome.She spoke in different accents and languages.The theme was sharing experiences after the basic course.Her performance was simply superlative.
The icing on the cake was Satsangh with Namita Malik ji,who had come from India.This was soul stirring,and I do wonder if there were people who could resist dancing in that hall.I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.Another miracle I would like to share here is that a couple of days earlier I had hurt my right foot,I don't how though during my morning walk.I was actually limping,even Friday morning there was pain,but then I just needed to get up dance and be with myself. The pain in my foot just vanished.:))
The Art Of living Abudhabi made sure we all remember that we are all children of God and our dear master,by giving us return gifts(Guruji'photo in a lovely frame) on our way out after the super duper birthday celebration.All of us walked out with gifts in our hand and so much of joy and happiness in our hearts.I sure don't remember too many occasions where I received return gifts for birthdays.....
A great day sure and one that will stay with me for a long long time.....
Jai Jai Radha Ramana Hari Bol,Jai Jai Radha Ramana Hari bol,watch this in Guruji's divine voice in the link
Jai Gurudev...
09/05/2011
Mother's Day
There is a lot being said and heard about Mother's Day in the recent days all over the world.A specific day chosen to honour and make one's mother feel truly special.
Indian culture has always given the highest honour and position to a Mother."Mathru Devo Bhava, Pithru Devo Bhava ,Acharya Devo Bhava"!Mother is honoured first ,then father and then Guru in that order.So a mother is above all for every child.The first face a baby recognizes is the mothers face and she is the one who introduces the father and other members of the family to the child.So a child grew up with a very special bond and place for his/her mother in her heart.In our days generally we would always approach our mom to get permission for anything we wanted from dad.So she was the one who was always there for every child, knowing exactly what her child needs without even having to tell her.Only a mother can recognize what her child is going through from the expressions of her child.God has instilled such amazing qualities in a mother,it is simply unbeilevable and indeed amazing.
We have over the centuries read about some amazing Mother's,who devoted
their lives for the service of mankind.
Florence Nightingale comes to my mind at this point.Inspite of being born in a very rich family she dedicated her life to nurse the wounded,and was popularly known as "The Lady With The Lamp"
Then more recently we had Sarada Maa ,Mother Teresa,and they taught what service to mankind actually means.
Well I could go on and on because there is so much that I could write on the greatness of mother's.
On a lighter note,in the present days, a specific day in a year(usually the second Sunday in May) is celebrated as Mothers'Day,where mothers' are treated with flowers, chocloates, a special dinner or in whatever way one thinks fit and special for his or her mom. This is a way of Thanking mothers for being there always to guide,understand and share the difficult and happy moments of their children.
I personally though firmly believe that every day is Mother's Day for children,and it is important that we pray for our mothers each and every day and thank god for giving us such awesome mothers,and be ever greatful to our mother.It is impossible to give back even a small percent we have received from our mothers, the least we can do is be greatful for all that they have gone through to make our lives so comfortable and wonderful.
GOD BLESS ALL WOMEN!!!!!
Jai Gurudev...
04/05/2011
Akshaya Trithiya
Akshaya Tritiya, also spelt Akshaya Trithiya ,is a highly auspicious day in the Vedic Calendar which falls on the 3rd day of the new moon month (third Tithi of Sukhla Paksha) of Hindu month of Vaisakha (April – May). Akshaya Trithiya is also known as Akha Teej festival. According to Hindu astrology it is said that there is no need to check for any good ‘muhurat’ or ‘muhurtham’ on Akshaya Trithiya as every second of Akshaya Trithiya day is favorable. In 2011, Akshaya Tritiya is on 6th May and is said to be even more auspicious being a Friday.
The Chardham Yatra temples, Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple in Himalayas will open on Akshaya Trithiya Day.
Importance of Akshaya Trithiya Festival
In Sanskrit, the word Akshaya means “never diminishing” and any new venture started on this day is believed to bring success and prosperity. Akshaya Trithiya is considered as the most ideal day to start new business ventures, ground breaking for construction, buying gold, diamond, and other precious ornaments, marriages and ring exchanges, and real estate property.
Jainism is one of the oldest known religion of world. Rishabhadeva alias Adinath is the first Tirthankara of the Jain. The Day of Akshay Trithiya is said to be auspicious in Jainism because -
Tirthankara Rshabhdeva was king of Ayodhya. He,being enlightened gave up all earthly pleasures and chose to lead the life of an ascetic and become a Jain monk. Jain monks do not possess anything,not even food. They do not even cook food for themselves. While hungry or thirsty, they go to people and ask for food or drinking water. Tirthankara Rshabhdeva also went to people and asked food. However, the people of that time did not know anything about the acts of monks, as he was the first monk in this era. People of Ayodhya offered gold, jewellery, gemstones, elephants, horses, expensive garments and even their daughters to honour their beloved king. Rshabhdeva was not in quest of all these. He wanted only a few morsels of food,and that no body offered him. No body at that time could guess that their king was asking for food. As there was no choice, he had to fast for long time until his grand son Shreyansha kumara understood his need. Shreyansha kumara, finally, offered him sugar cane juice and Rshabhdeva broke his fast with that juice after 1 year. The incident happened on the day of Akshaya Trithiya. This is considered by the Jains as one of the best offerings.Jains, even today, observe long term fast to commemorate their first Tirthankara Rshabhadeva and break their fast on Akshaya Trithiya with sugar cane juice.
Akshaya Trithiya also known as Aakha Teej or Akha Teej,is traditionally the birthday of Lord Parasurama,the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu,and also of Lord Balarama. People conduct special Pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, make a charity, offer barley in a sacred fire, and worship Lord Ganesha & Devi Lakshmi on this day.
It is believed that Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, the richest deity, even Lord Kubera,it is believed prays to goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu, on this day. On this day, a day-long Kubera Lakshmi Puja is performed in which an Lakshmi Devi is worshipped along with Sudarsana Kubera Yantra, symbolising Kubera.
Akshaya Trithiya also marks the beginning of the "SatyaYug" or the Golden Age - the first of the four Yugas.
In the Puranas, the holy Hindu scriptures, there is a legend that says that on this day of Akshay Trithiya, Veda Vyasa along with Ganesha started writing the great epic Mahabharata.
Ganga Devi or Mother Ganges also descended on earth on this day.
The Vedic scriptures say that knowledge gained or charity done on this day is very fruitful.
The religious merit that is acquired by giving charity on this day is considered inexhaustible.
There are also many myths attached to this very auspicious day.
According to a legend, during the time of the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna, on this day, presented them an 'Akshaya Patra,' a bowl which would never go empty and produce an unlimited supply of food on demand.
Perhaps, the most famous of the Akshaya Trithiya stories is the legend of Lord Krishna and Sudama, his poor Brahmin childhood friend. On this day, as the tale goes, Sudama came over to Krishna's palace to request him for some financial help. As a gift for his friend, Sudama had nothing more than a handful of beaten rice or 'poha'. So, he felt alittle awkward and hesitant to give it to Krishna, but Krishna took the pouch of 'poha' from him and relished having it. Krishna followed the principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'the Guest is like God' and treated Sudama like a king. His poor friend was so overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality shown by Krishna, that he could not ask for the financial favor and came home empty handed. Lo and behold! When he reached his place, Sudama's old hut was transformed into a palace! He found his family dressed in royal attire and everything around was new and expensive. Sudama knew that it was a boon from Krishna, who blessed him with more than the wealth he actually intended to ask for. Therefore, Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains and wealth acquisition.
Astrologically, Lord Surya and Lord Chandra are most radiant and best placed on Akshya Trutheeya day, which is believed to be most auspicious. The Hindu Puranas provides numerous religious importance to Akshaya Trithiya and link it to several important occasions. Parasurama Jayanti and Balarama Jayanti falls of Aksaya Trithiya Day and it is also on Akshaya Tritiya day Guru Adi Shankaracharya recited Sri Kanakadhara Stavam standing outside a poor woman's hut. The poor woman was indeed very upset and sad that she had nothing but a small piece of dry goose berry to offer to the brahmin boy(AdiShanakara) asking for alms.Adi Shankaracharya out of grace for the poor woman sang the Kanakadhara Stavam and Goddess Lakshmi rained golden goose berries on the poor woman’s hut.
It is also believed that people born during this time shine bright in life. Many luminaries were born during this period: Basaveshwara born on May 4,Lord Buddha on May 16, Ramanujacharya and Adi Shankaracharya on May 6, Swami Chinmayananda on May 8,and our dear Guruji Sri Sri Ravishankarji on May 13th to name a few.
Happy Akshya Trithiya to all and may all of us be blessed by the Lord to gain true knowledge and LIVE IN KNOWLEDGE Always....
Jai Gurudev.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)