Enhancing Mental Efficiency: Seven Keys to Success

   Enhancing Mental Efficiency: Seven Keys to Success

1. **Engage Your Full Potential:**

   Fully utilize your capabilities and talents to tackle challenges and pursue your goals.

2. **Persist and Persevere:**

   Keep pushing forward despite obstacles and setbacks, maintaining your focus on long-term objectives.

3. **Define and Pursue Your Dreams:**

   Identify your aspirations and actively work towards achieving them with determination.

 

4. **Serve the Community:**

   Contribute positively to society, recognizing the value of serving others in your path to success.

 

5. **Leverage Support:**

   Seek assistance from others when necessary, understanding the power of collaboration and teamwork.

 

6. **Commit to Total Effort:**

   Dedicate yourself entirely to your endeavors, recognizing that true success demands unwavering commitment.

 

7. **Live Each Day Fully:**

   Approach each day with the mindset of making the most out of it, conducting your affairs with purpose and urgency.

  Seven Strategies to Boost Mental Efficiency

By Dr. Clive D. Hurley

 

1. **Cultivate Intellectual Stimulation:**

   Engage with literature and material that challenge your thinking and expand your language skills.

 

2. **Sharpen Your Observational Skills:**

   Train yourself to observe details keenly, enriching your understanding of the world around you.

 

3. **Foster Critical Thinking:**

   Stimulate your mind by asking questions and analyzing information critically, nurturing a habit of intellectual curiosity.

 

4. **Embrace Curiosity:**

   Cultivate a mindset of continual learning and exploration, fostering a proactive approach to acquiring knowledge.

 

5. **Enhance Memory Techniques:**

   Utilize effective memory strategies such as interest, trust, repetition, comprehension, and association to improve retention.

 

6. **Embrace Open-mindedness:**

   Remain receptive to diverse perspectives and be willing to learn from individuals regardless of differences, recognizing the value in humility and openness.

 

7. **Master Concentration:**

   Minimize distractions, exercise willpower, and sustain interest to sharpen your focus and optimize productivity, employing deliberate techniques such as occasional breaks for rejuvenation..

  Journey to Self-Realization: Insights from Hindu Scriptures"

 

In Hindu philosophy, the scriptures emphasize the profound importance of meditating on the Self as the key to attaining Moksha, unlocking the door to Brahman, the Supreme Universal Soul. Despite the indefinable nature of the Atman, the finite human mind can grasp its concept through tangible attributes. Srimad Bhagavatam, 7th Skandha, chapter 7, outlines 12 supreme signs that serve as a guide to recognizing the Self's essence.

 

**Intellectual Appreciation and Practical Application:**

 

The wisdom encapsulated in the scripture encourages not only intellectual appreciation but also the practical application of these principles in our daily lives. From inherent spiritual knowledge (jnana), the goal is to move beyond conceptual understanding and realize the Self for what it truly is.

 

1. **Eternal:**

   Our inner core, the Self, is eternal, transcending the changes in personality. While external traits may evolve, the true Self remains constant.

 

2. **Without Decay:**

   Amidst the changes and aging of the body, the Atman persists in the eternal present, untouched by the passage of time.

 

3. **Pure:**

   The true essence of the Self is pure, untarnished by external influences, representing the unblemished core of our being.

 

4. **Oneness:**

   Unlike the divisible nature of the body, the Self is undivided, representing the Universal Soul that exists everywhere as Brahman.

 

5. **A Witness:**

   Beyond the intellect, there exists a presence, the witness to our thoughts and reflections, allowing a deeper understanding of the Self.

 

6. **Refuge:**

   Seeking refuge within, one can find an enduring peace, a sanctuary within the Self that remains constant amid life's fluctuations.

 

7. **Without Transformation:**

   As the substratum of all existence, the Self remains unaltered, standing as a witness to the transient nature of life.

 

8. **Self-Illuminating:**

   Transcending the awareness associated with the body, recognizing the Self reveals the source of the concept of life itself.

 

9. **Cause Behind All:**

   The transcendent consciousness of Atman provides answers to the origins of creation and the nature of Being.

 

10. **Pervasive:**

    While the Self is realized within, it also pervades everything as Brahman, existing everywhere and at all times.

 

11. **Not Touched:**

    Unchanging and unaffected, the Atman remains impervious to external influences, whether joy or sorrow.

 

12. **Not Covered by Contamination:**

    Free from the manifestations of the physical, subtle, and causal bodies, the Atman remains uncontaminated.

 

Meditating on each sign individually reveals a presence behind our experiences. Identifying with this presence in our lives leads to the realization of the Infinite Truth, the sole link binding all experiences together. Recognizing and understanding the Self is the ultimate purpose of life, offering a profound connection to the Universal Soul.

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 :7thheaven moment of the week  Bopanna won AO double on score 777 , England hardly got 7 wk in an innings

 

 

Seven Practical Steps for Managing Anxiety in Daily Life

   Seven Practical Steps for Managing Anxiety in Daily Life

 

1. **Live in the Present:**

   Focus on the current moment rather than dwelling on past actions. Acknowledge that the past is unchangeable, and self-pity only hampers your present. Embrace the now to build a healthier life.

 

2. **Identify and Address Tensions:**

   Recognize the moments when tension arises and view it as a signal for necessary attention. Understand that some anxiety is natural but avoid blowing issues out of proportion. Learn to manage tensions without turning them into significant problems.

 

3. **Self-Control is Key:**

   Accept the inevitability of life's challenges. Unchecked anger can be harmful, so be aware when it arises and practice self-control. Recognizing and managing anger helps prevent potential damage to yourself and those around you.

 

4. **Embrace Disappointment:**

   Disappointments are a part of life. Develop an awareness of your tolerance levels and recognize the barriers to your goals. Accepting disappointments and learning from them is crucial for personal growth and resilience.

 

5. **Adapt to Reality:**

   Instead of fixating on the impossible, learn to adjust to existing circumstances. As theologian Reinhold Niebuhr wisely stated, seek serenity to accept the unchangeable, courage to change what you can, and wisdom to discern the difference.

 

6. **Accept Your Roles:**

   Acknowledge the various roles you must play throughout your life. Understand your limits and avoid pushing yourself beyond them. Pursue your goals with a balanced approach, avoiding extremes that could harm your physical and mental well-being.

 

7. **Avoid Self-Destructive Extremes:**

   Pursue your aspirations, but be mindful of your boundaries. A healthy person recognizes limits to prevent harm to the body and mind. Strive for your goals without engaging in extremes that could lead to self-destruction.

 

Remember, effective coping with anxiety involves a combination of self-awareness, acceptance, and proactive strategies to navigate life's challenges.

 

 Harmony of Existence: Exploring the Spiritual Cadence in Classical Arts and Mathematical Sciences"

 

In the rich tapestry of the Indic tradition, classical music and dance emerge as profound gateways to explore the depths of one's existence, providing boundless joy to rejuvenate life. Delving into the spiritual and cultural pursuits, these art forms are considered a pinnacle of sadhana, taking the practitioner's body, mind, and inner self to a state of high-level equilibrium. The Natya Shastra of Bharat, often deemed the fifth Ved, stands as a testament to the sacred significance of performing arts.

 

The pursuit of rhythm in music and dance mirrors the logicality found in mathematical and statistical sciences. Deriving a density function or moment generating function of a random variable is a discovery akin to realizing something that already exists, paralleling the understanding of rhythm through wavelength matching. Implicit in every object is a rhythm, and as we engage in music and dance, we learn to follow and consciously seek the implicit rhythm, leading to the convergence of explicit and implicit rhythms, resulting in unconditional joy.

 

Every entity, from atoms to planets, exists in rhythmic motion, contributing to the cosmos rather than chaos. The concept of Nataraj, the dancing manifestation, symbolizes life and death intertwined with the universe's rhythmic movements, as envisioned by Tagore.

 

The pursuit of satiety involves merging the unheard with sensory experiences, with the inner spirit striving for a state of harmony. This quest becomes a shared endeavor, akin to Bhagirath bringing the Ganga to the plains, where the discovery of knowledge benefits many.

 

Understanding the concept of rhythm requires moments of silence and withdrawal from the chaos of daily life. Dhyan, a method of tuning oneself to the implicit rhythm, becomes essential. Achieving internal rhythm in daily activities creates a new inclusive world, transcending selfishness for the greater good. Spiritualism, rooted in addressing the vast, offers the greatest joy as it aligns individual well-being with the welfare of the larger entity.

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 week  J.word Prowse no 7 scored a goal

 

 

The Seven Essential Laws of Success

 The Seven Essential Laws of Success  

Introduction:

Achieving success in life is a journey filled with challenges and uncertainties. While there is no guaranteed formula for success, valuable insights can be gleaned from the lives of accomplished individuals. H.W. Armstrong identifies and delves into these lessons, presenting them as the "Seven Laws of Success." Through a thorough examination of successful lives, Armstrong brings to light fundamental principles that can be considered as guiding laws for those aspiring to reach the pinnacle of success.

 

1. "Fix The Right Goal":

Setting the right goal is the initial spark that ignites ambition. Successful individuals have consistently demonstrated the importance of having a clear, defined objective. Without a specific goal, progress remains elusive. Armstrong emphasizes the need for a well-defined destination and strategic plans to propel oneself toward success.

 

2. "Education Or Preparation":

Education is not confined to formal learning but extends to the holistic development of an individual. Successful people recognize the importance of continuous learning, encompassing not only academic knowledge but also personal growth, leadership skills, and experiential learning. Armstrong underscores the multifaceted nature of education in achieving success.

 

3. "Good Health":

The adage "you are what you eat" underscores the significance of a healthy lifestyle. Armstrong highlights the pivotal role of proper nutrition in preventing illness. Beyond diet, he emphasizes the importance of other health laws, including sufficient sleep, exercise, fresh air, cleanliness, and mental well-being. Maintaining the body and mind in harmony with nature's laws is crucial for lasting success.

 

4. "Drive":

Success requires action, and an individual's level of activity determines their accomplishments. Armstrong asserts that success is an ongoing process that demands constant drive and energy. A successful person not only propels themselves forward but also motivates and guides those around them. Without vigor and persistent effort, true success remains elusive.

 

5. "Resourcefulness":

Life is replete with challenges that demand resourcefulness. Armstrong underscores the importance of maintaining composure in the face of unexpected obstacles. Rapid thinking, sound reasoning, and clear decision-making characterize resourceful individuals. Cultivating a calm and collected mindset enables one to navigate through emergencies and setbacks effectively.

 

6. "Perseverance":

In the face of adversity, perseverance becomes the catalyst for turning potential failure into triumphant success. Armstrong notes that many individuals fall short of their goals due to a lack of determination and faith. A little more effort, combined with unwavering perseverance, can transform challenges into victories. Perseverance is the key to overcoming obstacles on the path to success.

 

7. "Contact with God":

The ultimate law of success, according to Armstrong, is establishing a connection with the all-powerful Creator. This law, positioned last for emphasis, underscores the vital role of seeking continuous guidance and help from a higher source. Armstrong suggests that, beyond human capabilities, the divine factor plays a significant role in determining the ultimate success or failure of one's life. The seventh law encourages maintaining a profound and ongoing connection with the all-powerful God for lasting fulfillment and success.

 Dadaji's Profound Teachings: Direct Communion with the Divine

In a world where mortal beings often assume the role of spiritual guides, Amiya Roy Chowdhury, affectionately known as Dadaji, staunchly rejects the prevalent concept of 'gurubad' in the country. According to Dadaji, there can be no mortal guru for another mortal being; rather, he asserts that God Himself is our sole guru. In his messages, Dadaji emphasizes the direct, continuous, and everlasting relationship we share with the Divine, debunking the need for intermediaries. Moreover, he advocates that leading a life of seclusion, abstinence, penance, and austerity is unnecessary for spiritual growth.

 

Dadaji's teachings delve into the transformative power of complete surrender to the Supreme Being. He asserts that emancipation, realization, and salvation are achievable only through surrendering every aspect of oneself, including consciousness, to the Divine.

 

The third message imparts the wisdom that conquering and subduing ego (ahankar) is essential for experiencing Divine Grace. Dadaji describes ego as an iron curtain separating individuals from the Divine, emphasizing that dismantling this barrier is crucial for unity with the Supreme.

 

Dadaji's fourth message highlights the significance of silence and emptiness in the heart and mind, allowing the Divine to fill the void. Drawing inspiration from Wordsworth, he describes moments of divine visitation where thought ceases, and oneness with the Living God is realized.

 

Rejecting discrimination based on caste, creed, race, nationality, color, or religion, Dadaji's teachings underscore the realization of Absolute Truth as a remedy for social and economic inequity. He envisions a world united by the oneness of the human soul, achievable through the repetition of Mahanama.

 

Dadaji encourages a spirit of self-enquiry, prompting individuals to reflect on their identity, purpose in taking a human body, and the path and duty they should follow. He assures that surrendering to the Truth Absolute will lead to answers from the Supreme within.

 

Dadaji's messages transcend religious boundaries, offering guidance for a collective and promising future. They align with the age-old Indian doctrine that posits the Divine's presence in us when we live, move, and act in harmony with the Divine—a profound philosophy echoing the spirit of a future where earthly life transforms into the 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 week in Big bash Perth scorchers won by 7 wk   

The Path to Success: Cultivating Clear Thinking in Life

 

 The Path to Success: Cultivating Clear Thinking in Life

Success in life is closely tied to the ability to engage in clear thinking. Unfortunately, this essential skill is often neglected by many, as the fear of disrupting one's peace of mind or comfort can be a deterrent.

Clear thinking requires consistent practice, fueled by enthusiasm. Enthusiasm generates interest and sustains thinking, while concentration helps form a clear picture of the ultimate objective in one's mind. Maintaining a continuous and focused thought process, free from distractions, is crucial for developing organized thinking and enhancing mental strength.

 

Stimulating thinking power can be achieved through active participation in serious conversations and discussions. Listening to others' viewpoints clarifies ideas, and defending one's own position encourages clearer and more objective thinking. Additionally, reading a variety of books and magazines provides ample material for contemplation.

 

Historically, individuals who sought answers to fundamental questions such as why, when, where, who, and how elevated their thinking power over time. Every thought emitted is a vibration that influences others, making positive thinking a powerful force in achieving success and enriching oneself.

 

Respecting others' opinions, particularly when they align with our own, fosters a conducive environment for clear thinking. As the saying goes, "A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years of study."

 

The quote from Baba emphasizes the interconnectedness of love for humanity and love for God, highlighting the importance of compassion and understanding in clear thinking. The story of Socrates further illustrates the significance of filtering information, focusing on what is true and beneficial, rather than succumbing to rumors that add no value to one's life.

 

In conclusion, the pursuit of success in life necessitates cultivating clear thinking. By dedicating time to focused thought, engaging in meaningful conversations, and filtering information for truth and goodness, individuals can enhance their thinking power and pave the way for a successful and fulfilling life.

 Journey from Emptiness to Compassion: Insights from the Heart Sutra in Buddhism

The Heart Sutra in Buddhism intricately guides us through the transformative path from emptiness to compassion. It emphasizes that emptiness is not synonymous with nothingness, as clarified by Buddhist teachers. His Holiness the Dalai Lama sheds light on the profound concept of emptiness, explaining how it can be wielded as a tool to deconstruct and dissolve the roots of hatred. By recognizing that our perceptions are often projections, he encourages the removal of delusions for true freedom.

 

The Buddha, in his teachings, articulates that emptiness relates to our conception of the self. Emptying oneself creates space for the emergence of the true self, unburdened by conditioning and programming. This liberation allows for growth and a connection with pure consciousness, untethered by past baggage and concerns about the future. The temporary nature of the self becomes evident, and the theory of interdependence, interconnectedness, and interbeing is revealed. The self, as we commonly understand it, exists when its constituents harmonize, emphasizing the relative nature of everything and the role of the mind in conceiving existence.

 

Quoting Lao Tzu, the necessity of emptying oneself is highlighted as a means to achieve stillness of the mind. The process is likened to the return of the ten thousand things to their source, aligning with the natural way. The Holy Bible and Hindu philosophy echo similar sentiments, underscoring the idea that emptying oneself allows for the infusion of divine power and connection with the universal truth.

 

The essence of spiritual freedom is emphasized by Alexander Solzhenitsyn's observation that true power lies in the ability to let go of everything. In spiritual terms, mastering the art of emptying oneself ensures liberation from conditioning, fears, attachments, emotions, and anxieties. This profound emptiness allows individuals to stand independent, welcoming the universal truth of pure consciousness. The culmination is a harmonious connection between the self (jivatma) and the larger Self (Paramatma), the Infinite, transcending boundaries and embracing the boundless nature of existence.

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 week in test India beat south Africa by 7 wk, 

Crafting a Joyful Life: Strategies for Lasting Happiness

 

  Crafting a Joyful Life: Strategies for Lasting Happiness

 

If you aspire to enhance your happiness and embrace a fulfilling life, consider adopting the following principles:

1. **Prioritize Well-being over Worry:**

   Instead of dwelling on potential health issues, channel your energy into constructive endeavors. Engage in meaningful work, cultivate a hobby, and relish the satisfaction that comes from being productive.

2. **Cultivate Contentment:**

   Learn the art of contentment by appreciating what you have. Resist the urge to constantly seek more and find joy in the present moment.

3. **Embrace Social Harmony:**

   Foster positive relationships by genuinely liking and connecting with others. Approach adversity with courage, and tackle life's minor challenges decisively.

4. **Savor Humor in Every Situation:**

   Nurture a good sense of humor by expressing pleasant remarks whenever possible. Infuse laughter into your life to make the present hours pleasant and cheerful.

5. **Live in the Present:**

   Shift your focus from the past and future, and concentrate on making the present moment enjoyable. By staying mindful, you can cultivate a sense of presence and appreciation for the now.

To further amplify your happiness and extend your lifespan:

 

6. **Forgive and Forget:**

   Release negativity by forgiving your neighbor's faults and overlooking unkind remarks. Abandon temptations and focus on understanding the underlying causes of fault-finding.

 

7. **Appreciate Friends and Family:**

   Overlook the shortcomings of your friends and family, and cherish the qualities that endear them to you. Steer clear of personal conflicts and gossip, as dwelling on them only magnifies their impact.

Choose Positivity

   Strive to eliminate negative, depressed, and hateful thoughts from your mind. Reject disbelief in yourself and your future. Embrace life's challenges as opportunities for growth and success.

In crafting a joyful life, remember: life is meant to be lived to its fullest. Say to yourself, "I want life at its best, and I know how to achieve it." Cast aside negativity, believe in your potential, and seize the opportunities that come your way. After all, life is a gift meant to be celebrated and enjoyed.

 

 Navigating the New Year with Hope: Lessons from Homayun Taba

The advent of the new year signifies more than just a change in dates; it is a moment for infusing hope, fortifying our psychological resilience. While some may naturally possess mental strength, many of us need to recommit to it. Homayun Taba suggests that the start of each year is an opportune time to embark on this journey of rejuvenation.

 

In recounting the story of a remarkable lady nearing 90, who faced a myriad of challenges throughout her life, Taba underscores the power of a positive outlook. Despite enduring hardships such as a broken home, hostile family dynamics, and life in a war zone, her mantra—“There is nothing that has no solution”—exemplifies an unwavering faith in positive outcomes. Taba emphasizes that her enduring laughter today resonates with the philosophy that "this too shall pass."

 

Hope, according to Taba, acts as an internal gyroscope for hopeful souls, countering external chaos with a steadfast belief that circumstances, whether good or bad, are temporary. Drawing inspiration from Viktor Frankl's observations in concentration camps, Taba describes hope as a life-sustaining potion that reinforces patience and resilience.

 

Hope is not merely a mood elevator; it harbors a hidden fighting spirit. Conversely, hopelessness leads to a bottomless pit of despair. Taba notes that those proficient in hope, even in the face of insurmountable challenges, turn to prayer as a coping mechanism, finding consolation, grace, and stability.

 

An essential function of hope lies in looking at the big picture, as articulated by Martin Luther King Jr. The Bible and Quran consider hope an anchor of the soul, providing surety and steadfastness. While Buddhists caution against craving, Taba suggests that hope, when balanced, can offer perspective and appreciation for current blessings.

 

In navigating difficult times, hope allows us to anticipate better outcomes and fosters optimism and positive feelings. Taba recommends maintaining good cheer in the face of disorientation by avoiding exposure to toxic news and pessimistic influences. Ultimately, hope, whether expressed as asha, apeksha, or omid, not only envisions a brighter future but also provides the energy and stimulation to move towards it. As we step into the year ahead, may we remember to dwell with hope.

 

 

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 week in epl son 7 scored a goal, in epl saka 7 scored a goal

The Divine Test of Yudhishtira: Wisdom, Justice, and the Restoration of Life

 

The Divine Test of Yudhishtira: Wisdom, Justice, and the Restoration of Life

In the   epic tales of Mahabharata, the legendary Pandava brothers—Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—stand as paragons of virtue and resilience. One fateful day, amidst their sojourn in the wilderness, a profound test of wisdom and justice awaited them.

Seeking respite from the relentless heat and an unquenchable thirst, the brothers encountered a mysterious voice near a secluded pool. Nakula, tasked with fetching water, faced an ethereal challenge—answer questions before drinking. Driven by thirst, Nakula imbibed the water and fell lifeless.

 

The heart-wrenching sight prompted Yudhishtira, the eldest, to investigate. Confronted by the unseen interlocutor, he, too, faced a barrage of existential queries.

He felt a great pity for them. "Why should I live without my brothers?" he thought.

The same voice now said to him;" Your brothers died because they would not listen to my advice. Answer my questions first and then you may drink and live."

He replied, "Ask your questions, please".

"How does a man become wise?" asked the voice.

"Not by studying books," said Udhishtira, "a man gets wisdom only in the company of the wise and the good."

"What goes faster than the wind?" asked the voice.

"Mind travels faster than the wind?"  Pandava prince.

" Who is the true friend of a traveler?" the voice now asked.

"Learning is his best friend," was the reply.

"What follows a man after death?"

"His dharma," said the wise son of Pandu.

"What is happiness?" asked the voice.

" It is the fruit of right conduct,' said Youdhistira.

"If you give up something, you are loved by all. What is that?"

asked the voice.

"Pride," replied Yudhishtira.

"If you sacrifice a certain thing, ,it makes you rich, What is that?'

"Desire".

"Who is a real Brahmin?"

"Birth and learning do not make a true Brahmin," answered Ydhishtira, "It is right conduct that makes one so",

"What is the greatest wonder in the world?" was the last question.

"Men see people dying every day and yet desire to live forever" said Yudhishtira, "This surely is the greatest wonder in the world."

now the voice said,"You may wish one of your brothers to live and he will regain his life."

He thought for a moment and said."Let my brother Nakula live again."

The Yasksha, for it was he that had been asking all these questions, said,"I would like to know why you have chosen Nakula and not Bhima or Arjuna?'

"O Yaksha", Yudhishtira said, My father married Kunti and Makdri. I am Kunti's son and am alive and it is but just that Madri should have one of her sons alive."

The Yaksha now showed himself in his true from as Yama, the Lord of Dharma. He brought back to life all the princes. Then he disappeared.

Yudhishtira's responses unveiled profound truths: wisdom is gleaned in the company of the wise, the mind transcends the swiftness of the wind, learning is a traveler's true friend, and righteousness (dharma) follows a soul beyond death.

 

The voice delved deeper, probing the nature of happiness and the sacrifices that lead to enrichment. Yudhishtira's sagacious replies unraveled the essence of virtue and the pitfalls of pride and desire.

 

In the culminating question, Yudhishtira exposed the paradox of human nature—yearning for eternal life despite witnessing daily mortality.

 

The unseen examiner, revealed as Yama, the Lord of Dharma, offered a benevolent proposition: the revival of one brother. Yudhishtira's choice, Nakula, reflected a poignant sense of justice. He invoked the balance between Kunti and Madri, affirming life for one son from each mother.

 

Yama, satisfied with Yudhishtira's righteous decisions, manifested his true form, restoring all the princes to life before vanishing into the cosmic realms.

 

This divine ordeal showcased not only the Pandavas' wisdom but also Yudhishtira's unwavering commitment to justice, reinforcing the enduring theme of righteousness prevailing over adversity in the grand tapestry of the Mahabharata.

  Illuminating Wisdom: Unveiling Truth, Light, and Immortality in Upanishadic Prayer

 

In the profound verses of the Brihadaranyak Upanishad (1:3:28), encapsulated in three succinct lines, a powerful spiritual journey unfolds: "Asatoma sadgamaya; Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya; Mrtyor ma amrtam gamaya" — Lead me from reality to the truth;/ Lead me from darkness to light;/ May I be led from death to immortality.

 

The first line delves into the concept of "Asat" or reality, encompassing everything perceived through the senses. Drawing a parallel to the essence of gold underlying diverse jewelry designs, the Upanishad unveils two truths — the relative, contingent maya, and the unconditional, independently existing sat. The playhouse of infinite forms, maya, is deceptive and unreal, contrasting with the unity perceived by sat. To see through the multiplicity is not indifference but an invitation to a profound and meaningful engagement with the world.

The second line seeks liberation from "avidya," the darkness of tamas, into the illuminating realm of jyoti, inner light. The awakened state involves the opening of the "jnana chakshu," eyes of wisdom, piercing through the veil of maya to perceive sat. While asat is entangled in the diversity of forms, sat recognizes the underlying oneness — the realization that all is essentially gold.

 

The third line delves into mortality and immortality, drawing from the Chandogya Upanishad (7:24:1). Here, the prayer seeks deliverance from death in time to a state of timelessness. The distinction between everlasting and eternal lies in time; eternity transcends time, existing beyond temporality. The aspirant yearns to move beyond the limited ego's fear of mortality (ahamkar) to the spacious consciousness of immortality inherent in one's essential nature.

 

This Upanishadic prayer serves as a transformative appeal, urging liberation from the entanglements of time and space. It acknowledges the dual dimensions of existence — the samsaric, horizontal realm in relation to the world, and the nirvanic, vertical dimension. The enlightened state integrates both realities, recognizing their interconnectedness and unveiling moments of awe.

 

Far from a pessimistic view, these Upanishadic lines advocate a holistic perspective: 'be in the world but know that you are not of the world.' The essence of the prayer lies in the second line, emphasizing the liberation from the clouded tamasic state to the clarity of jyoti, the inner light — a profound journey towards truth, illumination, and immortality.

 

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 week in epl totenham son no 7 scored a goal, in women test cricket India beat Australia, with captain 7