The Four Forms of Consciousness and the Path to Unity with the Supreme Being

 

 Words of Wisdom and Belief for a Fulfilling Life

Health enough to make work a pleasure.

Wealth enough to support your needs.

Strength enough to battle with difficulties and overcome them.

Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them.

Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished.

Charity enough to see some good in your neighbors.

Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others.

Faith enough to make real the things of God.

Hope enough to remove all anxious fears of the future. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

I believe

I believe in the eternal importance of the home as the fundamental institution of society.

I believe in the immeasurable possibilities of every boy and girl.

I believe in the imagination, the trust, the hopes, and the ideals that dwell in the hearts of all children.

I believe in the beauty of nature, of art, of books, and of friendship.

I believe in the satisfaction of duties fulfilled.

I believe in the little homely joys of everyday life.

I believe in the goodness of the great design that lies behind our complex world.

I believe in the safety and peace that surround us all through the love of God. -  

 

Gems

Do not take life too seriously. Listen patiently when others speak. Have a sense of humor - a smile creates happiness, wherever you are. Keep the goal of your life in view, have some direction in life, and you will be happy. There is nothing worse than feeling useless! Money earned without sweat creates its own problems. When God is near, how can you fear? Blessed are the people who take delight in other people's good fortune. -  

 

Life must have a certain quality

Life, whether a person is successful or not from a worldly point of view, must have a certain quality, and that quality can only come from integrity. "Integrity is both a quality of the mind and of the soul. Intellectual integrity is the capacity to be objective and dispassionate in the heat and dust of battle and in the hurly-burly of everyday existence… integrity of the soul is the dearest and most precious possession that a person can have." -  

 

One of life's richest millionaires

Count your assets. If you have a clear conscience, a good liver, three good friends, and a happy home; if your heart has kept its youth and your soul its honesty, cheer up! you are still one of life's richest millionaires.

 

Character is my degree; Life is my examination; Universe is my university

 

To make life truly beautiful

Both rain and sunshine are needed to make a rainbow. Both joy and sorrow are needed to make life truly beautiful and colorful

 

So you were also a coward, then!

Son: Daddy, were you a good batsman in your days?

Daddy: Of course, my son.

Son: So you were also a coward, then!

Daddy: Why do you say that?

Son: Because a good cricketer always hits and runs!

 The Four Forms of Consciousness and the Path to Unity with the Supreme Being

 

Consciousness takes on four main forms - the waking state, the dream state, the deep sleep state, and turiya, the state of absorption of the self into Pure Consciousness. In the turiya state, the Supreme Being exists in His pure form, much like milk remains milk and does not transform into curd or butter. Turiya is said to have control over the other three forms, which is why God is often referred to as the master of the three lokas - the three forms of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.

 

Each of these forms of consciousness has its unique characteristics:

 

1. Waking State: In this state, the conscious mind is most active. People tend to place more faith in the reality of things directly perceived by their senses (indriyas) rather than abstract thoughts.

 

2. Dream State: In this state, one's belief system is primarily based on the workings of the mind. The senses are not directly active in this state, and reality is shaped by the mind's creations.

 

3. Deep Sleep State: In deep sleep, neither the sense organs nor the conscious mind are actively engaged. One is unaware of the workings of the mind. Both the senses and the mind operate indirectly, with their essential functions sustained by the Supreme Being.

 

In all these states of consciousness, individuals are entirely dependent on the support of the Supreme Being. Without His witness and control, human faculties are powerless. For instance, in the waking state, your eyes and ears may function, but the power to see and hear originates from the Supreme Being. He can withdraw these abilities at will. Without His support, one is left with nothing and can achieve nothing.

 

The activities of the mind during dreams are also under the control of the Witnessing Entity. Without God's consent, none of the forms of consciousness can manifest themselves. He serves as the ultimate Witnessing Entity for all individual and collective expressions of consciousness. While the other three forms are relative, the Supreme Being is absolute, the Eternal Consciousness, and the ultimate truth.

 

No matter what you do, God observes everything. You cannot conceal your intentions from Him. Therefore, your objective should be to align your inner and outer expressions, harmonizing your inner and outer selves. Each person has two personas - the inner self and the outer self. The inner self is less complex, while the outer self may appear more polished.

 

The purpose of sadhana (spiritual practice) is to bridge the gap between these two personas and merge them into one. When your inner and outer selves are in perfect harmony with the Supreme Being, the duality of your existence will dissolve, and you will find lasting peace and greatness. This is the path to true bliss.

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 7 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 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

 

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW :7th heaven moment in laxmi puja  7 color rainbow found in London in epl mc Ginn no 7 scored a goal

Cultivating Fulfillment Through Selfless Work

 
 Cultivating Fulfillment Through Selfless Work

Throughout our lives, we are bound to engage in various forms of action and work. In the context of our industrialized society, the primary driving force behind work often centers on the pursuit of financial gain. Over time, this focus on returns can coarsen our inner lives, leaving us dependent on the outcomes of our efforts.

However, there exist individuals who possess a deep appreciation for work in and of itself. They find intrinsic joy in the act of doing, gaining a profound sense of fulfillment from their endeavors. For them, the rewards stemming from their work take a backseat to simpler forms of recognition, such as a pat on the back or a word of appreciation. This approach is exemplified by a mother tirelessly dedicating herself to her family and children, guided by an innate sense of duty, seeking no extrinsic rewards.

 

Similarly, a student immersed in the process of learning isn't immediately compensated for their efforts. While thoughts of future prospects and career plans may lurk in the background, the present demands their complete absorption and devotion to their studies. They must approach their academic pursuits with a strong sense of duty, transcending personal likes and dislikes to delve deeply into their studies.

But what motivates the transformation of all our actions into "karmayoga" - the yoga of selfless action, where work is executed with a profound sense of duty?

When work is undertaken with this selfless attitude, it tends to yield superior results. We discover an increased wellspring of energy for our tasks, work brings us satisfaction, and we glean valuable lessons from it. Gradually, this approach enables us to perceive the broader tapestry of life, revealing deeper meaning in the everyday aspects we once took for granted. Our self-esteem flourishes, deriving not from the rewards garnered but from the knowledge that we have committed ourselves to our work to the best of our abilities. This enrichment of our inner life through work and action is what's referred to as "Karmayoga."

 The Four States of Consciousness and Their Connection to the Supreme Being

Within the realm of consciousness, there exist four distinct states: the waking state, the dream state, the deep sleep state, and turiya - the state of merging the self into Pure Consciousness. Turiya, in particular, stands as a unique state where the Supreme Being exists in His pure form, much like milk remaining milk and not transforming into curd or butter. It is in this state that the control over the other three forms of consciousness is asserted, illustrating why God is referred to as the master of the three lokas - the three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.

 

Each of these states of consciousness possesses its own distinct characteristics:

 

1. **Waking State**: In this state, the conscious mind is at its zenith, and one tends to place greater trust in the truth of those experiences perceived directly by the senses (indriyas) rather than in the products of the mind, such as thoughts.

 

2. **Dream State**: Here, one predominantly believes in the creative power of the mind as the source of truth. The senses do not directly participate in this state.

 

3. **Deep Sleep State**: In this state, both the sense organs and the conscious mind operate indirectly, and one is oblivious to the workings of the mind. The Supreme Being ensures their essential but minimal functioning.

 

In all these states, an individual's capacity to act independently is contingent upon the support of the Supreme Being, who functions as the witnessing and controlling entity for these states. For example, even in the waking state, where your sensory organs may be active, your ability to see and hear is fundamentally provided by the Supreme Being. The Supreme Being can withdraw these faculties at will, underscoring that without His support, we are powerless and incapable of any action.

The activities of the mind, which dominate the dream state, are also subject to the control of the Witnessing Entity. Without God's consent, none of these states of consciousness can manifest. He is the ultimate Witnessing Entity for both individual and collective expressions. While the other three states are relative, the Supreme Being is absolute, representing the ultimate truth - Sadashiva, Eternal Consciousness. He observes every action, thought, and intention, making it impossible to conceal anything from Him.

Therefore, the goal should be to align the inner and outer aspects of the self, harmonizing the inner mind with outward expressions. Every individual possesses two personalities - the inner and the outer. The inner self is simpler, while the outer self often appears more complex and multifaceted.

 

Sadhana, the practice of spiritual discipline, aims to bridge the gap between these two personalities, bringing them into perfect alignment. When inner and outer expressions of consciousness are harmonious with the Supreme Being, duality dissolves, leaving one grounded in enduring peace and greatness. This path, the union of the self with the Divine, is the path of ultimate bliss.

 

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 7 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 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

 

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW :7th heaven moment in world cup India beat Bangladesh by 7 wk.

Assessing Your Adaptability: A Self-Reflection Exercise

 Assessing Your Adaptability: A Self-Reflection Exercise

Are you Adaptable? Take this Quiz to Find Out!

Adaptability is a key factor in determining our happiness and success in life. It's the ability to roll with the punches, take life as it comes, and make the most of every situation. In this quiz, you can assess your adaptability by answering "yes" or "no" to a series of questions. Check your score and aim for excellence in your attitude and reactions.

 

1. Can you stay happy and cheerful when the weather is gloomy?

2. Do you enjoy looking after yourself when the family is away?

3. Are you an efficient host or hostess, able to cope equally well with young children, aged persons, and people of your own generation?

4. Do you fit in with others and make yourself useful when illness or emergency disturbs the domestic routine?

5. Would you enjoy a change to a different job?

6. If your chief retired, would you welcome his successor rather than feel uneasy about the way you will get along with him?

7. Are you cooperative when changes in organization and methods are introduced?

8. Could you settle down in a strange town among strangers without much effort?

9. Do you find it easy to get along with all types of people?

10. Do you make new friends easily?

11. Do you keep up peace of mind when people let you down or have to disappoint you?

12. Do you learn from your mistakes and failures?

13. Are you quick to change opinions and views that have become old-fashioned and out-of-date?

14. If an ambition is beyond the scope of your abilities, would you utilize your energies for something more practicable without running after the unattainable, or feel that you were an utter failure?

15. Do you make the best of what you have, rather than make life miserable envying those who have more?

 

Count five marks for every "yes." A score of 45 is a good average mark. A score of 55 is excellent; 35-45 is satisfactory, and under 35 is not satisfactory.

Remember, adaptability demands a high standard of emotional maturity, so aim for excellence in your attitude and reactions.

  The Perils of Lies and the Path to Personal Growth

A mother was deeply hurt and shocked to hear her son telling lies. She decided to address the issue by sitting her son down and imparting wisdom about the dangers of dishonesty. She said, "When you tell a lie, imagine a demon with red eyes and a horn on his head who will drag you from your bed in the middle of the night to punish you severely. Then, I am certain you will never lie again."

 

Her son assured her, "No, Mother, from now on, I will never lie," but then added, "More than me, you are a bigger liar."

 

It's important to remember that one person's lie cannot correct another's mistake by committing the same error.

 

Why do people lie, and what do they gain from it? Can't we see that the effort required to avoid getting caught in a lie only causes more tension and that lying results in the unnecessary burden of remembering one's falsehoods? It fills the mind with needless thoughts, worries, hurts, and untruths, restricting the space available for creativity.

 

People often focus on expanding their knowledge. In the East, a distinction is made between knowledge and Being, emphasizing the development of one's Being. Both knowledge and Being are essential, but when knowledge transforms into Being, it transcends mere information. Therefore, both knowledge and Being should be firmly on the path of transformation.

 

While it's easy to understand that there are various levels of knowledge, fewer recognize that there are different levels of Being. Being represents your presence—an essence that can be good, pure, inspiring, and transparent. We should not confuse mere existence with Being. A stone exists, a plant exists, a person exists, but their existence differs significantly. This is where the concept of Being comes into play. The Being of a plant, stone, animal, human, or the divine all exists at distinct levels.

 

Being is an evolving essence, an evolving presence. If someone feels hurt because of an unpleasant statement, it reflects their level of Being. But if they can forgive the person who caused the hurt, it indicates a higher level of Being. Selfishness reveals one level of Being, whereas serving others with love and goodness shows a different level of Being. It's not a matter of judgment but rather a matter of clarity leading to an opportunity for personal growth.

 

Growing up is one thing, and growing old is another. Growing up involves adding life to your years, while growing old involves adding years to your life.

 

So, are you working on your Being? Let's resolve right now to begin the transformation process and support it in our daily lives.

 

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 7 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 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

 

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW :7th heaven moment in world cup India beat Pakistan by 7 wk. 

 

 

 The Art of Active Listening

Active listening is a skill that requires a deep understanding of fundamental principles and dedicated practice. Whether in personal or professional relationships, honing one's listening skills proves beneficial for all parties involved. Despite the significant amount of time we spend listening compared to speaking or reading, formal training in this area is often lacking for several reasons.

One common challenge is the constant stream of thoughts that occupy our minds, making it difficult to swiftly shift our focus and fully engage with what others are saying. Additionally, the habit of talking and interrupting can hinder our ability to let the other person speak uninterrupted, even when doing so would be to our advantage. The eagerness to rebut the other person's statements or the fear of forgetting one's own points can also interfere with effective listening.

 

External factors, such as distractions in the environment, can divert our attention away from the conversation. Preemptively forming conclusions before all the evidence is presented or disregarding statements based on the perceived importance of the speaker can further hinder our ability to listen effectively. Additionally, we may discard information that doesn't align with our preconceived notions or preferences.

 

To combat these obstacles, it's essential to consciously refocus when your mind begins to wander during a conversation. Mental summarization of the information presented and taking notes on ideas for later exploration can help maintain your concentration on the dialogue. Developing good listening habits is a vital step toward becoming a more effective communicator. Active listening not only enhances interpersonal skills but also improves human relations capabilities.

 

By actively listening, you can enrich both your personal and professional life, ultimately becoming a more efficient and effective individual. Creating an optimal listening environment, free from noise and interference, is a valuable strategy for enhancing your listening abilities.

Time and Existence in Ancient Wisdom: Reflections on the Bhagavad Gita

"I am mighty Kala, the eternal time-spirit, the destroyer of the worlds. I am out to exterminate these people. Even without you, all those warriors, arrayed in the enemy’s camp, shall die." This verse from the Bhagavad Gita, 11:32, gained recent fame due to its inclusion in a film featuring physicist Robert Oppenheimer, reciting it as the first atomic bomb was detonated in 1945 in New Mexico.

 

Time holds a central position in the philosophical tradition of India. In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, section I, verse 26, it is explicitly stated that Ishwar—the creator of the Universe—is beyond the confines of time.

 

Within the Indic philosophical system, it is also believed that in the beginning, three forces—sattva, rajas, and tamas—existed in equilibrium. The disturbance of this equilibrium led to the emergence of the Universe, though the reason and manner of this occurrence remain unexplained.

 

This concept aligns with the modern understanding of the time-space matrix. Initially, time and space coexisted in equilibrium, and the disruption of this balance set time in motion while space began to expand, marking the genesis of the Universe.

 

Time, therefore, holds a distinctive role in the grand scheme of existence. When Krishna declares, "I have become time," he reveals his divine attribute to Arjuna by indicating that he has descended from a state "beyond time" to become a part of it. With time's progression, the Universe experiences both its inception and its culmination. This is the essence of Krishna's message: all warriors on the battlefield of the Mahabharata will perish, regardless of one's actions or inaction.

 

Ancient Indians possessed a profound understanding of concepts like time and space, as evidenced in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which contain nearly 20 sutras related to the concept of time.

 

Notably, verse 11:32 stands as the sole verse in the Bhagavad Gita dedicated to the concept of time. Some consider the Gita to be the essence of all yogic systems practiced in India, lending profound significance to this verse. Regarding many ancient texts, uncertainties persist about whether what we possess today represents the original text or has undergone alteration. These texts were transmitted orally rather than in writing, and with the passage of time, they could have been corrupted or lost.

 

Considering that these scriptures delve into complex subjects such as space-time and the origin of the Universe, it is possible that some challenging verses were omitted or distorted. This might also apply to the Bhagavad Gita.

 

Interestingly, Krishna chose to reveal his Virat (divine) form in Chapter 11, which essentially describes galaxy formation, a brilliance exceeding that of a thousand suns, and a glimpse into the creation of black holes. This transition from discussions on leading a virtuous life and adhering to kshatriya dharma to contemplating space-time and the origins of the Universe represents a remarkable leap of imagination on the part of the author of the Gita.

 

Nevertheless, it is hoped that the portrayal of Oppenheimer in the movie has inspired young minds to delve into the Bhagavad Gita and seek a deeper understanding of its profound meaning.

 

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 7 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 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

 

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW :7th heaven moment  in Epl Chelsea no 7 scored a goal, in Asian game India got 107 medals.

Enthusiasm: The Key to a Fulfilling Life

 

Enthusiasm: The Key to a Fulfilling Life

Enthusiasm, as Norman Vincent Peale emphasizes, is the driving force that distinguishes those who thrive in life. Those who achieve the most are those who face life with unwavering enthusiasm, approaching its opportunities and challenges with a positive and confident outlook.

Enthusiasm wields the power to create a profound impact. Consider the contrast between two types of individuals: the optimistic, cheerful, and hopeful, who propel events towards positive change, and the gloomy rebels, who lack vision and direction. Enthusiasm becomes the catalyst that separates achievers from those with muddled thinking.

To unlock the doors to the exciting and creative realm of achievers, we must harness the power of enthusiasm. Those who have tasted success will unanimously agree that enthusiasm is the invaluable ingredient of personality that leads to happiness and fulfillment.

Sustaining enthusiasm can be a challenge, especially as we age. The natural enthusiasm of youth may wane over the years, but this decline need not be inevitable. We have the ability to maintain our spirit and remain motivated by enthusiasm, regardless of age, pain, sickness, disappointment, or frustration.

Some individuals defy the odds, remaining enthusiastic until their final moments. They leave this world with their flags flying high, their eyes still aglow with the light of enthusiasm for life. Enthusiasm, as the Lioness Club of Nandamakkam's souvenir reminds us, is the key to a fulfilling and vibrant existence, regardless of the challenges we may face along the way.

Exploring the Profound Concept of Time and Space in the Bhagavad Gita

 

I am Mighty Kala, the eternal time-spirit, the destroyer of the worlds. My mission is to exterminate these people. Even without your support, those warriors arrayed in the enemy's camp shall meet their demise. This verse, Bhagavad Gita 11:32, has gained recent fame thanks to a film featuring physicist Robert Oppenheimer, who recited it during the detonation of the first atomic bomb in 1945 in New Mexico.

 

Time holds a central role in the philosophical tradition of India. In the Yoga Sutras, section I, verse 26, Patanjali unequivocally declares that Ishwar, the creator of the Universe, transcends time.

 

According to Indian philosophy, the Universe's inception involved the disturbance of equilibrium between three forces: sattva, rajas, and tamas. Yet, it offers no explanation for why or how this disturbance occurred.

 

Interestingly, this aligns with the modern concept of the time-space matrix. In the beginning, time and space coexisted in equilibrium, but we remain unaware of how this balance was disrupted. Nonetheless, once this equilibrium shifted, time emerged, and space began to flow, marking the Universe's inception.

 

Time occupies an extraordinary position within this framework. When Krishna declares, "I have become time," he reveals his divine attribute by transitioning from being 'beyond time' to embodying it. As time unfolds, the Universe experiences both a beginning and an end. This is precisely what Krishna conveys in his verse, indicating that all warriors on the battlefield of the Mahabharata will perish, regardless of human actions.

 

Ancient Indians possessed a profound understanding of time and space, as evident in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, which contain nearly 20 sutras exploring the concept of time.

 

Remarkably, verse 11:32 stands as the sole verse in the Bhagavad Gita specifically addressing the concept of time. As some believe, the Gita represents the essence of all yogic systems practiced in India, rendering this verse particularly significant. Uncertainty shrouds many of our ancient texts due to their transmission through oral tradition rather than writing, allowing for potential corruption or loss over time. Given the complexity of subjects like space-time and the origin of the Universe, it's possible that several intricate verses were either omitted or distorted in these scriptures, including the Gita.

 

Interestingly, in Chapter 11, Krishna chose to reveal his Virat, divine, form, which essentially described galaxy formation, a radiance brighter than a thousand suns, and even offered a glimpse into the creation of a black hole. This marked a remarkable leap of imagination by the author of the Gita, transitioning from discussions of righteous living and kshatriya dharma to the profound realms of space-time and the Universe's origins.

 

In conclusion, one can only hope that the film on Oppenheimer has inspired young individuals to delve into the study of the Bhagavad Gita, seeking to comprehend its profound and timeless meaning.

 

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 7 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 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

 

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW :7th heaven moment  in Epl Totenham captain 7son  scored a goals, in Asian game women captain 7 won gold in cricket