Mirror's & coverings

A mirror's quality is to reflect light. But when covered with dust it losses that ability. The thicker the layers of dust the longer it takes to clean. We may have to use different cleaning materials to clean it - water, soap, brush, cloth etc. But once clean, the mirror starts reflecting again, returns to its original form, doing what it was meant to do.

Same as people. Our true selves are clean and pure. But the distractions create layers & the real self seems lost. To clear these layers one needs to associate himself / herself with the divine via engaging with nature, involving ourselves in service, being aware & doing what is right , eating right foods, and so on.

Observing the Satvik way of life helps clear the layers caused by the excessive Tamasic & Rajasic activities of ours.

And then we can return to our true selves!

Feel good factor

Have you noticed the feel good factor after doing something that is right? After doing a good deed? after helping someone? WHen we do something for another person or an animal or even a plant.

Why does this happen???

Its because in those moments we are close to our true nature - We are doing what is right. We are helping others and the world at large.

The more you do it the better we feel. Give it a try.

RIDE in your life

Reduce - wastes, distractions, desires,
Increase - focus, good deeds
Dedicate - everything to God
Experience - the joy of giving

Santa Claus and God

Kids want Santa to notice every tiny good deed of theirs and ignore the mistakes, especially big ones. We want Santa to give out presents based on the good deeds, but he usually balances the good & the not so good.

As adults they want God to watch over the small & few acts of kindness and ignore our malicious thoughts & in appropriate actions. Again God notices everything.

Santa & God, sounded as a good analogy to me with the above example that I heard a in a recent session.

Ink & Paper

If paper is clear and crisp its easy to write on.

If its moist or crumpled, that makes it difficult to write on.

Crumples are like obstacles that need to be overcome in the spiritual journey. You can straighten the paper and manage to write on with extra effort.

Distractions are like moisture, and when knowledge comes its becomes fuzzy. So it takes time for the paper to dry and then some knowledge is is like dabs of ink and we need to start again to get clarity.

Worldly knowledge & Spiritual knowledge

Here by worldly knowledge the reference is to our degrees and knowledge about the material world.

Spiritual knowledge is referring to the knowledge about self & God and the relationship.

A worldly knowledge is always comparing and some underlying competition. He knows this better , she can do this better , she is prettier , he has more wealth etc

From spiritual perspective - all are Gods people, we all have God in us, God made everyone beautiful, God sent each of us here to do a task et all

Worldly knowledge makes you a doctor, architect or engineer. If with that you are lucky to have the spiritual knowledge , its a great combination. You treat people as God and that you have the opportunity to serve them.

And as in the Gita, this awareness changes our Bhav or intention and hence the impact of connecting us to God.

Action & Reaction

We all have heard of this phrase and there is also a scientific logic to it as well as spiritual karmic base to it.

But here is another perspective with respect to it.

When a child does something wrong & how a Mom reacts!!

1. The Child has already told Mom about his mistake - She says never mind we all make mistakes, glad you have figured out & learnt it. So kid was honest & aware of his mistake.
2. Someone tells Mom - So you make a mistake & not tell. And then outsiders telling me. Anger & Disappointment. Kid may be aware but did not share
3. Mom senses it & Child denies - Mom gets very mad. Child thinks not telling will be ok. But he postpones the problems that grows exponentially 

So it boils down to Awareness, Honesty & Intention of the child's behaviour before, during & after the mistake or incident.