Spiritual Practice

 

Quote from the True charm and Power of Vedanta

Spiritual Practice

Spirituality cannot come without a true estimate of the value of things. We confuse values. A seer knows that the world ahs not value. It is unsubstantial, empty, and insignificants its grandeur, its societies, its governments, its powers, are as nothing. We must grow to this consciousness, if we want to be spiritual, this consciousness, That is, we must have a keen sense of freedom. We must never feel that we are bound to anything or to any person. Absolutely freedom –that is the ideal . can a house holder ever feel and realize it/ He cannot. The moment a man attaches any value to thins or persons. The moment he wants to posses them, that moment he comes under the jurisdiction of society, government, conventions, customs, and vulgar criticism. He is no longer free to do what he feels to be right. He has to submit to other powers, than his conscience. His thoughts words, and deeds must be guarded lest they jeopardize the interests of his family, relations, friends, and community. It is impossible for him to stand by truth alone. He can antagonize society only when he is confident of the protection of another society. Courtesy spiritual practice.

Can’t Go Outside? Try Going Inside

Editorial by Rajiv Vij

My 87-year-old dad went through the Second World War, the Partition of India and went to jail for Gandhiji’s Jail Bharo Andolan. Chatting with him on the current pandemic here are four key thoughts that arose:

 

1.Calm amidst the panic: Fear levels around us are high and palpable. The reality is that our prehistoric brain is wired for survival, not for peace and equanimity. We instinctively feel fearful with even the slightest of triggers affecting our survival. Imagine stepping on a rope in the dark! The current Covid-19 pandemic crisis is unprecedented and potentially devastating at multiple levels. It may turn out to be a generation-defining event. Fear is naturally turning to panic.

 

While fear and panic are totally understandable, we need to recognise the need to stay calm. Being calm and positive, while staying fully vigilant and following all necessary guidelines, is the key to effectively working our way through any crisis. Listening to the horror stories of the Partition from my dad, it is clear that if the health crisis continues, each of us will likely experience a roller coaster of emotions – from denial, anxiety, anger and panic to sadness and despair.

 

To build greater equanimity, it helps to switch off from the external world of news and social media from time to time and instead, focus on our inner world. Simply sitting still and becoming an observer of our varying emotions help. Remain focused only on observing, without judging them (or ourselves). With consistent practise, the volatility of our emotions does subside.

 

2.We along with i: With the virus spreading rapidly, protecting ourselves and our loved ones is important. If we are healthy, we also need to pay attention to helping others if we can. Whether it is the frontline health workers, daily wage earners or families of domestic helpers. Being helpful to others is therapeutic for our heart and soul too.

 

In our individualistic society, where we are otherwise growing apart, the virus is a reminder of our interconnectedness; that we cannot live or succeed in isolation. We are part of different communities and we should routinely contribute towards the welfare of all those communities. We are all in it together.

 

3.Trifocal vision: It’s easy for many of us to get into the survival mode for the next three weeks. Simultaneously, I would encourage you to proactively plan for at least two more time-horizons. The next three months and the next fifteen months.

 

It is not unforeseeable that the current crisis, including some form of lockdown or social distancing, may continue for a couple of months. Also, it’s possible that even if the infections decline this summer, they may reappear next winter – until we have a vaccine over the next 12 months. Besides, the economic downside of a prolonged outbreak would not only be severe but also could last over a year.

 

4.Pursue personal goals: Crisis and isolation can be a remarkable time for personal growth. Whether the pandemic is short-lived or prolonged, as my dad reminds me, this too shall pass. So, consider using this time of reduced activity wisely. Don’t just watch the news or movies. Attend that online photography or AI course that you wanted to; catch-up on your reading; get fitter; learn to meditate; practise gratefulness; be more loving to your family.

 

The writer is a Singapore-based life coach

IF HE EXIST

 

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.-

 

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