The Pursuit of Comfort and Its Consequences

  The Pursuit of Comfort and Its Consequences

1.  Staying Still Won’t Get You Anywhere    

   "Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there." Progress requires action, not just positioning. Being on the right path is useless without moving forward.

2.  Finding Fault in Others Reflects Our Own Mindset    

   People who consistently look for flaws in others will find them. This mindset extends to nations as well, reflecting how judgment and suspicion can become self-fulfilling.

3.  Comfort as an Ideal and Its Spread    

   Comfort has evolved from a luxury to a habit, even a goal pursued for its own sake. As comfort becomes more accessible, its value increases. Those who have grown accustomed to it find discomfort unbearable. Today, comfort's status as a desirable state is driven by social trends just like any other fashion.

4.   Economic Interests Tied to Comfort   

   Massive industries are invested in sustaining and growing the demand for comfort. From furniture and heating to plumbing, these sectors thrive on people's desire for convenience and luxury. Advertising plays a significant role in perpetuating this lifestyle, ensuring comfort remains a sought-after norm.

 

5.  A Shift in Priorities Over Time   

   In the past, people who could afford to build grand houses prioritized impressiveness and beauty over comfort. They would invest in marble staircases, frescoes, and statues, valuing magnificence. In contrast, today's homeowners focus more on amenities like bathrooms, heating, and cushioned furniture, often equating these conveniences with a perfect living space.

 

6. Is Comfort Overrated ?

   While comfort is enjoyable, it may be somewhat overvalued. Despite my appreciation for it, I have lived happily in places lacking the modern comforts considered essential by many today. People from different cultural backgrounds, such as Orientals or Southern Europeans, often live without these amenities, yet manage just fine.

 

7. The Justification for Comfort

   Comfort, however, serves a purpose—especially for the mind. Mental tasks become challenging when the body is cold or in pain. In this sense, comfort can facilitate intellectual activity by minimizing physical distractions.

Embracing Loneliness as a Path to Spiritual Growth

We are never truly alone. Loneliness, while perplexing and painful, is essentially an illusion—a mask created by our surface consciousness. The loss of a "soulmate" may feel unbearable, but recognizing the immortal spirit within all beings helps to dissolve the illusion. This realization is the first step away from loneliness because, at our core, we are divine and one with everything.

 

Loneliness as a Bridge Between Two Worlds

When you feel lonely, you are standing on a bridge between two worlds: one of lack and the other of abundance. This sense of lack creates a vacuum that can only be filled by adopting a conscious and mindful approach. In this way, loneliness offers an ideal starting point for a spiritual life. The Mother once said, "Those who feel lonely in the world are ready for union with the Divine." Thus, the emptiness we feel serves as a call to seek something deeper and more fulfilling.

 

Aloneness as an Opportunity

Aloneness is often seen as something to be avoided, but it can also be viewed as an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. Many people use their alone time to seek distractions—drinking, overeating, engaging in social media, or watching TV—to fill the void. These distractions are often mistaken for company, anything to escape the silence that feels so unbearable. Yet, sacrificing these external comforts can reveal profound insights about ourselves.

The Conditioning of Seeking Company

The yearning for company begins at birth, and over time, we become deeply embedded in social conditioning. This conditioning can make us perceive aloneness as a sign of inadequacy, leading to feelings of inferiority. Overcoming this "herd mentality" requires stepping away from societal norms and resisting the urge to use external props to alleviate discomfort. Isolation often breeds self-pity, a form of misguided self-love that sets conditions on how we give and receive affection. True growth happens when we disengage from the noise and connect with our Inner Friend, allowing us to expand and evolve.

The Spiritual Path: Detachment and Inner Strength

Integral Yoga teaches that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. It encourages us to let go of expectations and attachments, which only deepen our sense of loneliness. True fulfillment comes from within; the surface consciousness cannot process or resolve the experience of aloneness. By focusing on our inner life, we move closer to our "true home" and find solace that no external relationship can provide.

Outer and Inner Loneliness

Loneliness manifests in two forms: outer and inner. Outer loneliness involves building temporary solutions to keep life from falling apart, resulting in makeshift reactions that the ego can barely manage. Often, it takes a significant life event to shift this state of awareness. Inner loneliness is more profound, often triggered by grief, loss, or intense longing. It creates a deep ache that no human connection can heal.

 

  The Remedy: Union with the Divine

Sri Aurobindo offers a remedy for inner loneliness: "The inner loneliness can only be cured by the inner experience of union with the Divine; no human association can fill the void." This suggests that feelings of deep aloneness are signs that one is ready for a transformative spiritual journey. Embrace this state as an invitation to elevate your life and seek a higher connection. It is time to make your life divine.

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 :7thheave moment of the in  second test  w.sundar  got 7 wk in an inngs , satner got7  wk in an inngs epl  summrville no7 scored a goal

 

 

Service Before Self: An Enduring Principle in a Changing World

  Service Before Self: An Enduring Principle in a Changing World

In today’s world, the idea of “service before self” or “selfless service” may seem outdated to pragmatists or realists. Many view it as an old sermon that lacks relevance in the modern context. The term "service" is often associated with businesses whose primary goal is to maximize profits, regardless of the means. The word has been misused, becoming a disguise for ulterior motives rather than a genuine commitment to helping others. This is one side of the story, but it does not fully capture the reality. The truth is that our world consists of both darkness and light.

 

A story from Hindu mythology offers a different perspective on selflessness. When Sri Krishna fell ill, he said that he would recover if someone offered him soil from their feet. Despite his divine status, no one came forward, fearing it would be a sin to give soil to a deity. However, 1,600 Gopis (milkmaids) gladly offered the soil without concern for the consequences, driven by their pure love for Krishna. Their act was a true example of selfless service, demonstrating that this principle has deep roots in history.

India, often referred to as the land of selfless service, is filled with examples of sacrifice for the sake of others. Throughout its history, great individuals have embodied this ideal, dedicating their lives to serving society. It is through such acts of service that they have attained immortality in people's hearts. The name Swami Vivekananda stands out when thinking of selfless service; he revived the spirit of sacrifice in modern India, emphasizing that "God loves those who love their fellow men." This message echoes through all religions as a universal truth.

The relevance of selfless service may be questioned in contemporary society. However, without some level of selflessness, the social fabric would deteriorate. While pursuing self-development is important, the highest form of personal growth cannot be achieved through selfish motives alone. Selfishness may lead to individual progress, but it is the shedding of selfishness that brings one closer to the ultimate goal: spiritual liberation, or *moksha*.

Interestingly, younger individuals are often less self-centered compared to older ones. Youth is a time for dedication and selflessness, as illustrated by a Chinese proverb: "If at eighteen, you do not think about society, you are headless; if at eighty, you still think about society, you are headless." This suggests that young people are naturally inclined to be more community-minded, making it an ideal time to embrace the principle of "service before self."

 

In conclusion, while the modern world may appear to be driven by self-interest, the timeless value of selfless service remains significant. It continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us that true fulfillment lies not in selfish pursuits but in acts of genuine service to others.

 The Power of Surrender: Embracing Life's Challenges

Mark Nepo, philosopher and spiritual teacher, reminds us that life continually teaches us to ask for what we need and, more importantly, to accept what we receive. He compares surrender to a fish swimming with the river's current, while acceptance is like that fish encountering a rock and adapting to the obstacle it represents. These hardships serve a purpose: they push us towards growth.

 

Om Swami, a spiritual leader, observes that many of us misunderstand surrender, treating it as a joke. He shares a story to illustrate this misconception: A man was driving on a narrow mountain road when his car skidded and plunged into a deep gorge. He managed to grab hold of a thin tree branch during the fall. Desperate, he called out to God with fervent prayers, but no reply came. As the branch weakened, he kept calling for help. Suddenly, a booming voice from the sky said, "Let go of the branch, and I will protect you." The man looked down at the dark, rocky abyss and doubted his survival. Hesitant, he shouted back, "Are you sure?" The voice replied, "Yes, let go, I am God." Still doubtful, the man asked, "Is there anyone else up there?"

 

This story highlights our resistance to letting go and trusting the unknown. Amy Johnson, a psychologist and author, explains that our need for control stems from the fear that life may not unfold according to our expectations. If we trust that we will be okay regardless of circumstances, we can release the urge to micromanage everything. Letting go allows us to embrace unexpected and wonderful possibilities that remain hidden when we cling to a single "right path."

 

Surrender is one of the most challenging aspects of the spiritual journey, and it often involves acceptance and detachment from the outcomes of our actions. Richard Rohr, a Franciscan contemplative, says, "Acceptance becomes the strangest and strongest kind of power. Surrender is not giving up, as we often think; it’s giving to the moment, the event, the person, the situation, and even God."

 

In our society, surrender and acceptance are sometimes viewed as signs of weakness. However, accepting a situation and surrendering to a higher power are acts of faith and strength. We may struggle to surrender during difficult times, such as sickness, pain, losing a job, experiencing a divorce, or facing betrayal. The secret lies in accepting what has happened while still striving to improve the situation.

 

Recognizing that life can be unfair helps us move beyond a constant "battle mode." Instead of resisting or fighting against challenges, we can find more creative and effective ways to respond. By embracing surrender and acceptance, we open ourselves to growth and new possibilities, discovering resilience and strength we may not have realized we possessed.

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 :7^th heaven moment of the week India u19 beat Pakistan by 7 run, and in epl son 7 scored a goal  

The Evolution of Moral Codes Across History

  The Evolution of Moral Codes Across History

Morality, which encompasses the rules and principles guiding acceptable behavior within a society, has always been a cornerstone of social order. These moral codes, however, are not static; they evolve with changing historical and environmental conditions. The standards of right and wrong that once held firm in one era may shift dramatically in another. The reasons for such changes can be traced back to different modes of survival and the demands of society at different stages of development.

In early human history, during the hunting and gathering stage, survival was the primary concern. Traits like pugnacity, brutality, and greed were considered advantageous as they enabled individuals to hunt, defend territory, and ensure the group's survival. Sexual readiness was also seen as a valuable trait to promote the continuation of the population. The moral code of this era was thus aligned with behaviors that facilitated these needs, rewarding those who could best navigate the harsh demands of life.

As human society transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture, a significant shift in moral values occurred. The agricultural lifestyle, which involved growing crops and domesticating animals, required different qualities from its members. Traits such as industriousness, regularity, and thrift became more valuable, as the ability to maintain steady work patterns and accumulate resources was critical to survival. War and violence, once necessities in the hunting stage, became less desirable, as peace and stability were needed for the cultivation of land.

With agriculture, the family unit also underwent a transformation. The importance of raising children increased, as they were vital contributors to farming labor and the continuation of family wealth. This shift in priorities led to a new set of moral expectations centered around early marriage, monogamy, and large families. In Europe, for approximately fifteen hundred years, the agricultural moral code promoted divorceless monogamy, encouraging couples to stay together and raise multiple children within a single marriage.

However, the advent of the Industrial Revolution brought another major change in society's economic and social systems. The shift from agrarian economies to industrial production altered not only the ways people worked but also the underlying values that guided behavior. New moral philosophies emerged in response to urbanization, the growth of factories, and changes in the social structure. The traditional virtues associated with rural life, such as thrift and industriousness, began to evolve to fit the needs of a rapidly developing industrial society.

In an industrialized world, where mass production and consumerism became central, values like efficiency, individualism, and material success gained prominence. The role of the family also shifted, with the nuclear family model becoming more common in urban settings. These new conditions necessitated different moral standards to address the realities of industrial life, as traditional agricultural values were no longer sufficient to navigate the complexities of modern society.

Overall, the evolution of moral codes illustrates how human values are intricately tied to the social and economic circumstances of the time. As societies progress and transform, their moral frameworks must adapt accordingly to remain relevant and effective in promoting social cohesion.

 

 India's View of 'Mother as the First Guru' and the True Purpose of Education: Cultivating Duty and Reverence for All Beings

 
The concept of existence is deeply rooted in the belief that nothing which exists can cease to exist, and that which does not exist cannot suddenly come into being. This scientific and philosophical truth underscores the idea that our existence as individuals is owed to our mothers, while our existence as living beings is linked to Mother Earth. Although our physical forms and identities may change over time, the essence of existence itself is eternal. This unchanging reality is what ancient wisdom refers to as "Swaroopa," defined as "Sad-chid-ananda" – existence, consciousness, and bliss.

Swaroopa represents our eternal and unchanging reality, while our attachment to the body and mind leads us to mistakenly identify with a changing existence. This fundamental misunderstanding is often referred to as ignorance. True education should help us recognize this ignorance, and instead cultivate a deeper awareness of our interconnectedness. The concept that "the whole world is our family" emerges from the realization that, at the level of existence, we are all one.

 

According to Indian wisdom, the process of education, religion, and upbringing should aim at self-development, enabling individuals to discover their Swaroopa through virtuous living, righteous actions, and fulfilling one’s duties (kartavya). The goal is to recognize and realize our true nature as "Sad-chid-ananda." From an early age, individuals should be taught to respect this subtle yet profound reality – the oneness of all existence. Reverence towards our mothers, Mother Earth, and the entire creation as manifestations of the divine helps to expand the mind and develop an understanding of our shared essence.

In exploring the true nature of Swaroopa, it is essential to differentiate between the temporary forms we take on and our inherent nature. The body, mind, and intellect (BMI) are ever-changing and therefore cannot represent our true Swaroopa, which remains eternal and unchanging. Consciousness, or spirit, is the essence that enlivens the body and mind, while the body and mind themselves undergo cycles of birth, existence, and death. As such, the temporary identity associated with the body and mind is not our real self.

To illustrate Swaroopa, one can consider the nature of substances such as sugar, salt, or water. Despite their different forms and appearances, their intrinsic qualities – sweetness, saltiness, and being H2O, respectively – remain unchanged. Similarly, our true essence as consciousness is unchanging, even though we may manifest through various forms and identities. Ancient Indian philosophy has long recognized this reality, arguing that while our physical forms are temporary, our underlying existence is eternal.

Indian traditions propose that education should be a journey of self-reflection and purification of the mind, encouraging practices like righteous living, selflessness, and the recognition of divinity in all forms of life. Such self-development aims to help individuals rediscover their Swaroopa through consistent practices and actions that align with higher truths. By integrating work as worship, seeing divinity in parents, teachers, and guests, and embracing life as a process of spiritual growth, individuals can purify the mind and come closer to understanding the concept of Swaroopa.

 

The practice of self-awareness is key to liberating oneself from the mind's habitual patterns and biases. It enables individuals to go beyond their limited ego and experience a deeper connection with the true Self. As one learns to recognize this unchanging inner essence, it becomes possible to perceive the same consciousness in others, fostering love and unity. The recognition that we are all one at the level of awareness reinforces the timeless truth that existence itself never ceases, even if its forms and expressions may vary.

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 :7^th heaven moment of the week England women t20 team won by 7 wk England beat Pakistan scoring 802/7 and india beat Bangladesh in 3^rd odi scoring 297   

The dogs bark but the caravan goes on:

  The dogs bark but the caravan goes on:

It is often said that "the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on," symbolizing how great individuals, like elephants, are undeterred by criticism from lesser minds. The analogy highlights that just as elephants ignore the barking of dogs and continue their journey, so too do successful people push forward, paying no attention to the negativity that surrounds them. They are not swayed by the grumbling of petty or mean-spirited individuals who try to bring them down.

 

People of integrity, character, and determination remain steadfast in their goals. They carry out their work with peace and poise, unaffected by distractions. These individuals understand that responding to every negative remark would only divert their energy and delay their progress. Instead, they maintain their focus, knowing that such obstacles are temporary, while their ambitions are long-lasting.

 

For great men and women, once they commit to a path, there is no turning back. Their motto is always to aim higher, to strive for excellence with every step they take. They embrace the journey of progress inch by inch, never allowing small setbacks or criticisms to define their journey. Their persistence and dedication set them apart from those who seek to pull them down.

 

Those with smaller minds may attempt to plant thorns in their path, hoping to slow them down or discourage them. Yet, men and women of resolution and purpose remain unfazed. Their commitment to their goals is unwavering, and they accomplish their tasks with grace and precision, overcoming every obstacle with dignity. They understand that temporary challenges cannot stop them from achieving greatness.

 

These resilient individuals seem to embody the phrase "he came, he conquered, and he vanished." They leave a lasting impact through their achievements and contributions, caring little for the small-minded criticisms that may follow them. Like a caravan moving steadily forward, they continue on their journey, brushing off negativity as they move closer to their goals.

 

In overcoming the hurdles and impediments created by the envious and petty, they prove themselves as heroes. These are the people who inspire others, who are welcomed with open arms and admiration. They leave behind a legacy of courage, strength, and purpose that others seek to emulate.

 

Ultimately, the world erects welcome arches for such individuals. Their perseverance, strength of character, and ability to ignore the noise of naysayers make them worthy of respect and admiration. In the face of adversity, they press on, knowing that their greatness lies not in responding to every challenge, but in staying focused on the journey ahead.

  The Pursuit of True Happiness

Everyone desires happiness, yet the paths we take to achieve it are varied. As Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche pointed out during the ‘Spirit of Tibet’ festival in Delhi, many seek happiness through material consumption, believing that possessions will bring lasting joy. However, this kind of happiness is often fleeting and can lead to a cycle of greed, where temporary joy is followed by sorrow. When happiness is tied to material goods, it risks becoming a source of unhappiness rather than fulfillment.

 

Defining happiness is a complex task, as each individual has their own perception of what it means. At its core, happiness is more about mindset than external circumstances. One can experience physical discomfort or illness, yet maintain a sense of inner peace and contentment. Conversely, a person may be in perfect physical health but feel deeply unhappy due to emotional or mental turmoil. The key to lasting happiness lies in identifying and addressing the root causes of our dissatisfaction.

 

Often, the root cause of unhappiness is ignorance, or "avidya." To achieve inner happiness, one must cultivate wisdom and discipline both in the mind and body. True happiness isn’t simply a set of fleeting emotions but rather the absence of negative emotions. When the mind is free from disturbances and at peace, that is the essence of happiness. Sustainable happiness, according to Buddhist teachings, is found in nirvana—a state that many people do not reach in their lifetime.

 

Buddhism teaches that all sentient beings are fundamentally equal for three reasons: no one desires unhappiness, the basic nature of consciousness is the same in everyone, and each individual has the potential to evolve into their true, enlightened nature. Therefore, the way we approach others should be with a sense of balance and equality. True happiness comes from understanding this equanimity and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.

 

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche emphasized that negative emotions such as unfulfilled desires, fear, anxiety, jealousy, and anger are significant sources of unhappiness. To counter these emotions, one must not react impulsively but instead seek to understand their root causes. For example, rather than viewing a person consumed by anger as an enemy, we should recognize that the negative emotions, or *kleshas*, are the true enemies.

In essence, we should "hate the sin but love the sinner." The solution to negative emotions is to counter them with their opposites—anger with compassion, and violence with love. Those who are under the influence of negative emotions are often trapped, lacking control over themselves. To address the real problem, we must tackle the root causes of negative emotions, not just their outward expressions.

Finally, Rinpoche encouraged self-awareness and self-control, echoing the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. By learning to control one’s desires and emotions, individuals can achieve freedom and a better understanding of their true identity. When people compare themselves to others or believe in the negative perceptions others hold of them, they lose sight of their true selves. The path to happiness begins with freeing the mind and embracing who you are, independent of external validation.

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 :7^th heaven moment of the week India beat Bangladesh by 7 wk in test and first t20 and in epl arsenal no 7 scored a goal