Secret of Right Activity

Monday, 18 November 2019

Quote from the True Charm and Power of Vedanta

Secret of Right Activity

There is an Indian parable of a rich man who employed two servants one, a talker, clever and convincing; the other, not so skilled in words but industrious , always busy in the orchard. One day the rich man came to visit the garden. The clever, shrewd servant began to praise his master’s person, flattering him, telling him how beautiful were his hands and face and everything pertaining to his personality. The other servant said nothing; he went and gathered all the fruits and flowers that he had produced through his silent labour and placed them before his master. With which do you suppose the master was pleased?

It is not the talker, the noisy , aggressive type of human being who produces the most or who brings the greatest amount of blessing . it is the quiet, concentrated worker. Although he asks nothing he receives everything. Whether we care for the fruit or not, it will come to us when we deserve it. let us carry this in our mind, in our consciousness. It will ennoble us; it will heal our wounds when we are disappointed. We are placed here by a divine hand. To disconnect ourselves from that , to feel and think that we are isolated and unprotected, existing merely for our own self-gratification, is the greatest tragedy that can befall us. To restore ourselves to that one is to rid the soul of selfish desires.

Let us have a great ideal, an ideal that will settle us with the greatness. That is the only kind of an ideal to hold before our mind’s eye and to work for. Little by little our imperfections and difficulties will vanish and instead of regarding life as drudgery, instead of shrinking form it, we shall bless this life which offers so many opportunities. we shall find joy even in the little daily tasks and wherever we are placed we shall know happiness.  

Your Attitude Is Important

The Speaking Tree |  India | ET

By MAHESH BHARDWAJ

Why are people angry, anxious and worried? To understand and analyse this situation, we need to divide things in two categories, one that are within the control of person and others that are considered beyond the control of people. Concentrate, therefore, on that which can be changed, through constant karmas, which is the dharma of Purusharth.

Do not worry about things that are not in your control. Move on in life. For example, to travel by air, one should try to buy a ticket of best security audited airline because that is in our hands. The worries concerning pilot, its engine condition and other intricacies related to the aircraft, which are not in our domain, should be left to the airline.

Following this approach, one should sit relaxed in the aircraft and enjoy the journey. In whatever we do, at best, we can exercise all possible cautionary measures to stay safe. The suggestion is not to worry too much about such things.

However, our efforts should be to continue to minimise the quantum of those things that are considered beyond our control.

In fact, success depends on how much of those things we can bring in our control that were hitherto not in our control. Having bigger bouquet of things within our control is definitely an ideal situation in life, while having a bigger bouquet of things beyond control delivers uncertain results in life. But if someone is unable to change this scenario, then it’s always better to stop worrying and go with the flow.

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   KZN 297/7

Easterdn won on 281/9 India beat Bangladesh 213/10 , 150/10

Can one be scientific and yet spiritual?

Monday, 04 November 2019

Can one be scientific and yet spiritual?

Approaching realities of life and study of nature in an open-minded way, Swami Vivekananda divined that for meaningful existence the task before man is wider then mere controlling our outer nature. He places before mankind an ampler and bolder perspective of life which respects both science and religion as instruments for working out the total emancipation of man. For solving the problems of existence, for attuning the liberation of the spirit of self-fulfilment, in an age dominated by science, it will be difficult to get better directive principles then those which are to be found in these works of Vivekananda.

The goal of religion, according to Swami Vivekananda “is to manifest the Divine within by controlling Nature external and internal “and be free”

There are scientists who try to ignore the spiritual phenomenon for the simple reason that they are unprepared to undergo the disciplines required for comprehending it. Swami Vivekananda calls them “surface scientists” for it is not the sign of a candid or scientific mind to throw overboard anything without proper investigation.  

Again, there are religious people who show less than due regard to knowledge of science and its very important role in affairs of men, simply because they are not psychologically prepared to discipline their minds in a scientific way. These people who may be called surface spirituals , are slow to see the point that if, according to them everything happens according to the will of God, the may be God is well pleased that science is dealing some hard blows on theological superstations of ages! If God is Truth , and if the scientist is seeking this truth, forgetful of God in a formal way yet he will be spiritual.

“What is truth? Truth is something so noble that if God could turn aside from it, I could keep the truth and let God go said Mester Eckhart. Here is a truly spiritual man whom even the most self-satisfied scientist can respect.

Hold That Outburst

The Speaking Tree | India, Spirituality | ET

By Om Swami

A series of right actions eventually come around to insulate you from the undesirable situations and events in life. Good thoughts, words and actions culminate to become your shield. It’s not that life will stop shooting arrows, but you are protected.

And, I think most people can see the value in this strategy: postpone your unkind actions and do the kind ones with a sense of urgency. The issue, perhaps, is not in understanding but execution.

That is, how do we ensure we remember this when we are mad with anger and all wisdom is heading south? Temptations, habits, urges and our automatic responses trigger forgetfulness.

A fit of rage scares and flees the goodness out of us like a loud clap does to birds. How do you ensure that the mindfulness required to deliver a measured and delayed response stays with you when we need it the most?

First, of course, is the practice of mindfulness itself, which is cultivated by repeatedly bringing your awareness to the present moment. Two simple questions will do it for you: (a) what am I doing right now, and (b) what should I be doing in the present moment?

Second, even more importantly, a conducive environment is critical to the practice of mindfulness and kindness. Put yourself in the right environment and watch the miracle of mindfulness unfold effortlessly.

Our handling of any situation depends primarily on two things: our view of life and our habits. Achange in these brings an automatic shift in our feelings, reactions and comebacks. Always postpone an outburst. Never delay a good deed.

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  Bangladesh won by 7 wk , in paris master sturff won on 77

Vedanta in Daily Life

Monday, 29 July 2019

Quote from the True Charm and Power of Vedanta

Vedanta in Daily Life

It has asked again and again whether the teachings of Vedanta sublime though they are, can be applied to our practical everyday life, Some people have an idea that being a philosophy, Vedanta must be speculative like any other philosophy of Europe and America and must give a few grand theories which can never be carried into practice. Such statements would be true if Vedanta were simply a philosophy and not a religion.

In order to become a religion, the teachings of Vedanta must be intensely practical because where theory ends there is the beginnings of true religion. Vedanta give not only the principles of the highest philosophy, but also teaches the practical methods which are necessary to make it a religion. If the ideals of Vedanta do not cover the whole field of life, if they do not enter into every plane of our thoughts, nay of our very existence in home life , in social and business life, in moral and spiritual life, then we must reject them as mere theories of a speculative philosophy and must not call Vedanta a religion. The ideals of Vedanta however, are so broad and universal in their scope that for the last four thousand years, men and women living in retirement in caves and forests as well as those holding the most responsible positions in society and in the state, have successfully harmonized their lives with those ideals and have proved them to be intensely practical.

Holy month of Shravana

The Speaking Tree |  India, Spirituality | ET

The month of Shravana is considered auspicious and Mondays are particularly special, when the devout flock to Shiva temples to offer prayers, Bilva leaves and milk. Recitations of Shivamahima stotra, verses singing the praise of Shiva and the Panchakshari mantra are listened to with reverence.

The Shivalinga is a miniature representation of our egg-shaped universe. By venerating the Shivalinga, we are paying our respects to the entire cosmos, seeing it as an embodiment of auspiciousness and divine consciousness. The Shivalinga inspires us to perceive and realise the truth that service of the world encompasses all living beings, and in such service lies the path to salvation. This is the essence of Shivalinga worship.

The term ‘Shivalinga’ is composed of two words, Shiva and linga. One of the meanings of the word ‘Shiva’ is auspiciousness. Whoever worships the Shivalinga with an understanding of its true meaning and knowledge of its true principle, will be blessed. The word ‘linga’ also refers to that in which everything ultimately dissolves or merges. The linga is that form, from which the cosmos arose and into which it will dissolve eventually. The Shivalinga symbolises the universe rising from Brahmn.

The supreme truth, which is attributeless, is beyond name, form and individuality. The Shivalinga represents all this in a tangible form. Scientists describe the shape of the universe as ellipsoidal or egg-like, referred to in Indian spiritual tradition as andam or brahmandam.

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 PKL Tamil Tal won by 7 got  , in f1 Hamilton won 7^th Hungarian gp

The Divine charioteer

Monday, 22 July 2019

Quote from the true charm and power of Vedanta

The Divine charioteer

Thus far, we have studied the significance of the chariot with the help of the teaching of the Gita the allegory used in the Kathaopanisahd. However  the presence of Lord Krishna on the charioteer seat , towards which Swami Vivekandna has specifically drawn our attention , adds special significance to the whole picture. He is guiding the soul in bondage represented by the confused and depressed Arjun . according to Rama Charita Manas, anyone who have devotion to the Lord need not have any fear. We to speak then of the good fortune of one who has the Lord Himself as the charioteer?

Having the Lord as charioteer has another significance. Sri Krishna is not just a man of steady wisdom who will reach the Vishnu –pada, the Supreme Abode of the Lord . He is Lord Vishnu Himself. So, the allegory of the chariot represents a concept higher than the sthita-prajna idea. Having attained the Brhami state a sage should help and guide other souls who are still in bondage, towards that goal. This is exactly what Sri Ramakrishna exhorted Swami Vivekandna to do when the latter expressed the desire to remain constantly merged in the bliss of Nirvikala Samadhi, . He wanted the Swami to accept the higher ideal-to be like a large banyan tree which would provide peace and shelter to thousand of weary souls-rather than care for his own salvation. This has been aptly summarised in the following verse;

May the wicked become virtues. May the virtuous attain tranquillity; may the tranquil be free from bonds. May the liberated make others fee.

Arjuna in the portrait represents the virtuous, and Sir Krishna the free who is leading him to freedom. Courtesy the secret of Happiness

To Feel Safe and Secure

The Speaking Tree  India | ET

By CHAITANYA CHARAN DAS

Have you seen how peacefully a child sleeps in the lap of his parent, even in a noisy, crowded local train? The hustle-bustle disturbs everyone, but not the child, due to his implicit faith in the protection of his parent.

All of us strive diligently to overcome our many fears: financial, familial, social, academic and physical. However, the necessary security measures like insurance, helmet, buzzer alarm and health check-up fail to free us from a disconcerting sense of insecurity within us. Why? All fear originates in an unbalanced, unrealistic material conception of life.

The material aspect of our life has its importance; we need to feed, clothe, house and provide for us and our loved ones. Krishna says in the Bhagwad Gita that when we seek our sense of identity, self-worth, security and pleasure exclusively from our material positions and possessions, we open ourselves to fear.

How should we overcome fear? The more things change, the more we need to embrace the things that don’t change, “Of the material, there is no endurance, and of the spiritual, there is no cessation.” When we make our life’s work a devotional offering for His service, we focus more on the object of our service.

This shift of focus releases large reserves of mental energy, which are choked by our worry about the future. Chanting the names of God gives us the calmness to see that almost all fears are more perceived than experienced.

The more we become free from fear of the future, the more we can fully absorb ourselves in our present duties.

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 Wimbledon djokovic won 777 , Healp no 7 won, in football Tajakistan no 7 scored a goal