Secret of right Activity

Monday, 01 July 2019

Quote from true charm and power of Vedanta

Secret of right Activity

Unless we take all mankind into consideration, our growth cannot be far reaching; we cannot become great. That is the reason why the first principle of all religious teachers has been to hate no man, to conquer everything though love; because love is constructive. Even when we wish to create something great for ourselves, if we try to obtain it through hatred, we shall find that it crumbles very soon, because there is a destructive element in it. Those who seek to harm their fellowmen inevitably meet with punishment sooner or later. The law  of this world makes them unhappy and they will be unhappy hereafter, for the here after is nothing but the resultant of what we do here. It is not enough to pray or work for our own happiness and peace there cannot eb any true happiness or peace unless it encircles others. All are related to us in spirit; and if we hate any one we are hating something which is part of ourselves. This realization of universal oneness in spirit destroys what we call evil.

The cosmic romance

The Speaking Tree | Edit Page, India | ET

BY M N KUNDU

An experience of the infinite Absolute is expressed in the Rig Veda thus, “Oh, the vastness!” In Rabindranath Tagore’s mystic vision, the vastness of the Omnipresent is manifested in a colourful and rhythmic feast of sight and symphony, and the Creator appeared as his cosmic beloved. But His perpetual presence constituted a profound theme of divine romance, an earnest mysticism of intense joy and realisation above any intellectual pursuit.

Tagore’s divine romance is grounded in the reality of life but never in any sense in the negation of life. “No, I will never shut the doors of my senses. The delights of sight, hearing and touch will bear Thy delight,” he wrote. He felt the embrace of freedom in innumerable bonds of delight, and so, he did not want deliverance through renunciation of joyful engagement with life.

An intense feeling of pantheism is the outcome of Tagore’s cosmic romance. “The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures.” He feels that his limbs are made glorious by the touch of this world of life. The unification of the non-dual with the mystic dual is the hallmark of Tagore’s poetic experience.

Tagore’s cosmic romance found a profound elevation in the firm assertion, “Thou hast taken me as Thy partner is all this wealth. In my heart is the endless play of Thy delight. In my life Thy will is ever taking shape.” Is this not the height of mysticism, a mingling of poetry and spirituality?

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

Cricket brings us together

The Speaking Tree | Sports | ET

By Sumit Paul

“It’s not cricket” is a popular phrase in the English language that means ‘something is unfair’.

Since May 30, the cricketing world has been rejoicing in the exploits of cricketers of 10 countries. Cricket is associated with fair practices and gentlemanship.

Tha’’s why, we call cricket, ‘a gentleman’s game’.

All sports have the power to bind people together — colour, country, class, caste or any concocted and imposed discrimination cannot diminish the spirit of the game.

In England, I have been interacting with spectators and players from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and England, among others. There’s an indescribable spirit of togetherness that’s so palpable.

No politics, no rancour and no bitterness. We all seem to have just one unadulterated objective for the next one-anda-half months till July 14 when the season will conclude: to enjoy cricket without any ill-will for anyone. What a lovely and universal feeling of bonhomie, so different from the pettiness that we indulge in most of the time.

Sports remind us that we share the same spirit and soul and that all the ostensible differences are man-made and completely useless. ‘Sports dissolve discrimination,’ aptly observed the legendary US sprinter Carl Lewis. We need to have this lofty vision and we all must nurture this sentiment even after the World Cup gets over because the spirit of closeness, initiated by sports, must continue unabated. Let’s enjoy the World Cup and root for all teams.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

But, if He exists?

I drive joy There was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting ten precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting ten minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste ten minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 10 minutes joy that I derive 4m.

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW : 7^th Heaven moment of the week  in cwc India   beat wi scoring 268/7, sa beat sl by 9 ,in f1 no 77won a podium

Peace and Blessedness

Monday, 24 June 2019

Quote from the True Charm and Power of Vedanta

Peace and Blessedness

 

When we realize that we have desired so much in this life and gained so little, then the spriit of renunciation comes. Desires are the cause of all our suffering. So long as we have any selfish desire whatever, we shall have to live in the world of variety; but the wise man realizes that this is perishable and give it up. So long   a man is hungry he will ask for food. Only when his hunger is satisfied will be refuse it. so, as long as a man is hungry for the world, as long as he has desire, he clings to the things of the world; but when his hunger is satisfied, then he is ready and glad to give it up and the life of consecration begins for him.

Worldly men think that the religious man is foolish; us they will grow and change. If the child asks how sugar tastes, you cannot describe it, he will have to taste it for himself. So that state beyond desire is indescribable and you will have to taste it for yourself to know what is; The Seers of Truth may tell you what is to be seen and felt in that state; but only as you have experienced it for yourself , can you know what it really is. Each must have his own experience. We cannot learn form the experience of others.

It is true that when we try to lead an ideal life of absolute devotion and renunciation, we have to go through many trials in the form of criticism and condemnation from teh world; but also is it true that the joy one feels in the spiritual life even in the midst of all external suffering, is infinitely grater than any pleasure  that the world can give us. So we should discrimination and stand by the ideal, whatever may happen to us. Courtesy peace and blessedness

Do It From Your Heart

The Speaking Tree | India | ET

By DENISE MIHALEK

“Holy people like you, Swami, are the problem with the world,” said a powerful Indian politician to my teacher, Radhanath Swami, at the Mumbai airport.

“You’re not doing anything but asking people to pray and chant. What about the pollution, the poverty, the wars, the problems of the world?” Radhanath Swami answered simply, “…We can clean up the entire world today but until we clean up our own hearts, tomorrow it will all be polluted again.”

Wow. What a simple and powerful answer. The child in me wants to say… “tell her about the programmes you have developed to feed children, educate farmers and preserve the earth’s natural resources!” But his message was more important.

And, so, as I walk along the shoreline picking up trash, I look ahead and see that my one bag is hardly going to make a difference.

Discouraged, I begin to cry. “Could I ever influence the consciousness of these polluters as I walk the shores alone?” But, then, remembering Radhanath Swami’s words, I begin to chant gently, reach for another discarded plastic straw, and pray.

“Please purify my heart and let this action in some way help and teach others.” What you do matters. How you do it also matters. Perhaps no one will notice, perhaps no one will applaud. Do it without asking for anything in return. Do it from your heart.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

But, if He exists?

I drive joy There was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting ten precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting ten minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste ten minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 10 minutes joy that I derive 4m.

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW : 7^th Heaven moment of the week  in cwc India Bangladesh beat wi by 7 wk, in f1 no 77won a podium

Solitude

Monday, 17 June 2019

Quote from the True Charm and Power of Vedanta

The method of Karma Yoga is for those who are tremendously active and are constantly engaged in business , trades, commerce, and in order kinds of industries. But there is another method for those who do not care to bother their heads about industries, trades etc; but who are meditative in their nature and like to sit in solitude and perform certain functions of the mind which are called concentration, meditation, Samadhi and so on. This method is called the Raja Yoga. If we practise this method, we shall get more wonderful results. Take, for example, concentration. Is there anything more practical than this? Without concentration you cannot expect to become an artist, or an astronomer or a musician  , or a painter or say a motorcar driver.

The Raja Yoga teaches that concentration fully well.

Then the practice of pranyama is absolutely necessary. Pranayama means the control of breath. It will bring perfect health. Many of my students, who are physicians, give breathing exercises to their patients and cure may diseases with complete success.

There is another method which is equally practical and beneficial to us and that is called the Bhakti Yoga, which will make us realize that we are not of this world. Tremendous love for the Lord and for all is necessary. What can be sweeter and more tender than this feeling of love and devotion, which is manifested in the life and character of a true devotee of God! A true devotee does not care for the world; he sees the play of the Divine will everywhere. When any disease comes , he would consider that the Lord has sent him his guest and would take care of him! When death comes, he would welcome it as his sister. What can be more practical that this? Vedanta will enable you to live the right kind of life. It will bring freedom to your soul, and ultimately will make you happy throughout eternity. All other things which you call practical, may bring temporary results, but you cannot achieve the real result anywhere except in the religion and philosophy of Vedanta

Connecting is important

The Speaking Tree  | ET

BY SUGANDHA ASGOLA

Communication is indispensable. It is difficult for a person to convey his thoughts if he cannot speak or write, for example. Those who have the ability to communicate must do so, as keeping everything to oneself is not healthy. Non-communication might even destroy relationships and adversely impact health. Our thoughts and ideas affect our cognitive domain and our physical, emotional and social progress. The art of being communicative is the key to human expansion. Opting to remain silent on a particular situation can be more harmful for a relationship than initiating a discussion where ideas can be shared and debated.

Ignoring issues can cause more harm than good. Shutting one’s eyes to an issue does not mean that the issue has been resolved.

Instead, it may intensify the feelings you may have about future disagreements.

It is very important to understand the importance of family communication. No psychological pressure will build up inside.

Piling up things in our mind makes our mind dull and overburdened that is not healthy. Speaking out is always better. Keeping the pressure in mind and making yourself sick is not wise.

Family is a protective social unit that supports all its members despite the ups and downs of life. Effective communication is the foundation laid for a healthy and happy family. Even though we may not have the solution to a family member’s problem, lending an ear that genuinely listens to the problem will certainly help relieve the stress and tension and perhaps even pave the way to a solution.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

But, if He exists?

I drive joy There was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting ten precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting ten minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste ten minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 10 minutes joy that I derive 4m.

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW : 7^th Heaven moment of the week  in cwc India beat Pakistan for 7^th time

The Secret of Hipness

Monday, 03 June 2019

The Secret of Happiness 

Quote from the True Charm and Power of Vedanta 

The greatest joy of a chase Hindu wife is to serve her husband. And Sri Ramakrishna was not an ordinary husband. He was a saint, a rishi, nay, he was the prophet of the modern age. What can be a greater privilege than to be get the opportunity of serving him?

One is reminded of Sita, the chaste wife of Rama . When Rama was banished to forest, he told Sita to remain at home, and serve her in –laws pointing to the hardships of the forest. But Sita categorically said that for her forest will be heaven with him, while living in the palace with all amenities will be like living in hell. Except for the period when she was stolen away by Ravana and confined as a prisoner. Sita had the privilege of being close to Rama constantly.

But while Sita was constantly with Rama, Sri Sarada Devi did not have this good fortune. There were times, when even while living in a room only few feet away from Sri Ramakrishna she could not meet him or see him for months at a stretch  . And yet she did not complain! She would console herself saying to herself, that she was not really qualified by good karmas, to have the vision, darshan of Sri Ramakrishna every day!

What does this period of the Holy Mother teach us, so far as the secret of happiess is concerned? That dedicate, unselfish service of the person especially whom we love and adore is a great source of joy. Secondly, living in proximity of someone whom we love and adore also gives great satisfaction. Thirdly we shall have to face hardships and privations all through our life all these must be patiently borne. Patience and tolerance are great virtues and conduce to great happiness.

And finally containment .Holy Mother herself used to say. There is no treasure lie patience and there is no virtue higher then forbearance. in Patanjali yoga sutras , it is said that the practice of contentment under all circumstances leads to superlative happiness. Courtesy secret of Happiness

Higher level of awareness

The Speaking Tree | Spirituality | ET

By Alfredo S Younis

We are living in a world of major awakening. We are not only part of this experience of awakening; we happen to be the architects. I often ask myself: how would I like to wake up tomorrow morning? What would be my ideal awakening? What would I like my eyes to see? We want a world free of poverty, crime, racism, a world full of equality and understanding, where people are in happiness. We want a world without environmental destruction.

The essential lesson we need to learn from spiritual leaders like Dadi Janki (Brahmakumaris) is that it is not a matter of being only spiritual — we need to be trustees of the purity of knowledge. It is not just a matter of knowing, it is what we really self-realise and how that knowledge makes us live our life in a particular way.

One of the most interesting things in my conversations with Dadi Janki is the high degree of consistency. A spiritual leader is effective if she has transformational value. You would be able to recognise that person as a teacher because they have transformed your life by their mere existence. Speaking well and giving knowledge is not everything; there is something more.

This universal transforming value should also become the engine and ultimate ingredient that moves all institutions in our society, because, in the end, institutions are people. Factories don’t exist without humans.

Governments don’t exist without people. The higher the level of consciousness, the higher will be the level of awareness and the higher the ability

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

But, if He exists?

I drive joy There was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting ten precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting ten minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste ten minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 10 minutes joy that I derive 4m.

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW : 7^th Heaven moment of the week  in French open Markéta Vondroušová won semifinal 77, in world cup cricket nz won by 7 wk