Prioritising / making choice

When a child is sick parents will force the medicine in, no listening to I don't like, don't want, it is bitter. Parents know it is good and essential for child.

Similarly for minor aches or feeling tired parents do not allow children to miss school or a extra curricular activity.

Then why when it comes to attending spiritual classes or doing seva, they think otherwise.

We all have heard of its too hot/cold for something or too far or have a birthday to go for and so on. When parents do that, they themselves are making a choice of being in comfort zone of they want to do instead of what they should do.

Will this demonstration teach the kids that they need to complete the wants and then work on shoulds?

Prioritising and making choices is done always by everyone and we need to be aware of what choices we make as they all have consequences.

Life of Pi

If you have read the book and watched the movie, you will be able to relate.

Pi was admirable as a character ...trying to do what is right, trying to see that the tiger was there to give him reason to live, his immense gratitude towards Richard Parker at the end of his adventure.

His belief that he will be saved and his faith in God that he will reach land was commendable. His ability to make the most of everything. Gratitude for the small blessings amidst all the chaos.

Knowledge that he had before helped him and that indicates knowledge as a saviour.

And the knowledge that he acquired during his time as a castaway also relates to the truths revealed in meditation or in solitude.

His multi religion practices relates to trying to connect to God by different routes.

His relating the story to a journalist relates to sharing his experience and knowledge like wise and enlightened folks.

The connections to France, India, Mexico & Canada make me thing all world in one and connected in a way we don't understand.

Everything in that story has spiritual undertones. Think about it.

Joy of giving ( edit to a copy paste from FB)

There is a saying in Sanskrit, ‘Naalpe sukham asti yo vai bhumaa tat sukham’. The mind always goes for something that is bigger; some bigger joy, bigger bliss. It is its nature, you cannot avoid it. The mind wants to have something bigger, and spirituality gives you that bigger joy, bigger happiness.
There is one kind of happiness that you get by taking; as children we all have it. However, a grown up person has happiness in giving; like a mother at home. She enjoys cooking for everybody, but when she is all by herself she doesn’t make five or ten different varieties of food and eat. She never does that. She will have a cup of tea or coffee and munch something. So there is the joy in giving. Authors and literary giants have this joy that I gave something to society, I wrote something. There is a joy in it; go for that.

The Sun shines not for itself and the tree bears fruit not for itself.

We all have something to give to others. The divine in us is a skill or ability to do something and when we use it for others or for social good , it brings us joy as well as makes the world a better place.

Who am I ??

If you answer it with your name, then to know that its a word given by parents to address you , may confuse you.

If you say child of X & Y , and then someone explains they were the medium for you to take birth and they were given responsibility to look after you, then you wonder  !!!!!!

Then you try and a man/woman, Indian/ other nationality, or Hindu/Other religion ....

All these identifications are true yet not the answer.

So who am I ?

Bigger Order

We sow many seeds & we water them all , but not all sprout.
And then though all are in the same soil and environment but not all grow or not grow to same size.
Then not all flower and not all flowers bloom fully. Some flowers fall to the ground and some are plucked and reach the altar and some reach a funeral and some bloom and wither away still on the tree. Why???

Imagine walking and sometime we step on some ants. Unknowingly we kill some ants . So why only those ants get killed? and others survive.

Why some people have a very unfortunate life???

Why some people are good and still have a bad end?

All these questions are valid , but answers are not easy.

Its all a part of the big order that we as humans cannot understand.  Accepting that we are part of the creation and only the creator knows why somethings are.

We may see the thread and then see the knot and get troubled by it, but the thread and the knots are part of a big net is something we may not be aware of.  Only the creator knows.

New spiritual acronyms

KPI : Krishna's Powerful Instructions
GITA : Get In To Action
AAA: Arise Awake & Act

The Trinity

Brahma: Creator, Orginator, Generator, Constructor
Vishnu : Protector, Operator, Care taker
Mahesh (Shiva) : Destroyer

Generator
Operator
Destroyer

Actions for the benefit of society

Karam Yoga in chapter 3 talks about this , working for a higher goal and with right intentions. There are various examples shared in Gita sessions here are some ....

1.
A helper in a kitchen cutting onions.
He can merely be cutting onions or helping prepare a meal
He is helping prepare a meal to feed hungry people
He is  helping prepare a meal to feed hungry people to enable them serve God.
Is the intention and the larger goal identifiable?

2.
I want money ...seems like a selfish desire
I want money to give to a needy guy...sounds better
I want money to open a training centre to help needy people learn and then earn for themselves....that sounds noble.

3.
I want to write a blog ...so!!!
I want to write a blog and increase the hits & make more people visit it ... sounds selfish
I want to write a blog and increase the hits & make more people visit it so I can share my thoughts about knowledge with more people  ... sounds better??

4.
I want to do a fund raiser...good idea
I want to do a fund raiser to be more visible in the school / society....sound self centric
I want to do a fund raiser to help the cause and also be more visible in the school / society....mixed up intention!!!
I want to do a fund raiser to help the cause and not for my image , that is a by product ...now that sounds like real charity

5.
I need firewood so will cut a tree...how simple and limited to self
I need firewood so will cut a tree, but will that harm nature, or the ecological balance ...what a thought!
I need firewood so will cut a tree, but since that will that harm nature and ecological balance , I must plant another 5 trees...now that seems like a noble action.

6.
I need good grades in school to please my parent...hmmmm
I need good grades in school to please my parents and they want what is good for me ......getting better
I need good grades in school to please my parents and they do want what is good for me and that will help me become capable to work for myself and contribute to the society.......now that is even better

7.
I want to look pleasant ...why?
I want to look pleasant so people will compliment me ...so ?!
I want to look pleasant so people will compliment me and see me as a manifestation of God ....now that is a new way to think


Our thoughts and intentions impact our actions. Noble thoughts with society and world at large will purify them and selfish thoughts will make them impure.

Laws of Nature & Manifestation of God

Just like gravity and water cycle there are many laws and functions that happen in nature.

Things always fall towards earth and hot days lead to rain in the equatorial land is known.

When we sow a grain of wheat, we get 100+ grains from the plant.  This is the glory of the creator that 1 grain becomes 100+.  Also the law is that when we sow wheat we get wheat and not rice.

Earth revolving around the Sun is a universal truth but a beautiful sunrise and a soothing sunset, its all manifestation of God.

The more you look around the more laws of nature and glories of God you will be able to see.

Connecting to God

In Gita it is mentioned that we are the doers of the God and once we accept that and do all actions with submission to God we are always connected.

For example a river is by itself knows its a river and flows with enthusiasm to connect with the ocean. The river collects minerals and soil and waste and pollutants along the way and keeps accepting them knowing its on its way to meet the ocean. The river gets flowers of prayer and rubbish thrown into it during its course.

When the river meets the oceans with all its water and pollutants , it merges with the ocean and looses itself completely. Even though the ocean is far away and the water at a point is yet to reach the ocean the river feels connected all the time.

For people who go through life feeling the divine connection , they accept all the experiences : good, bad, happy, sad... et all with ease as they submit all to God .

I can be a pot of water standing on its own or try to be like a river.  Or in the interim a pot of water floating,  tumbling and moving with the river towards the ocean.

Choice and Action are key

They say if not the whole Gita everyone must read the chapter 3 - Karam Yoga. It details about action and why it is key to choose the right action.

We are always doing an action voluntary or involuntary ( breathing etc). Even to have fun and indulge in the "not suitable" activities like drinking alcohol we need to do some actions.

Whether we do what we "should" or what we "want" there is action and there is choice.

When we choose the "should do" path, most of the "wants" are miraculously fulfilled.

We are always posed with choices. Knowing what is right is important but acting on what is right is more important. Just knowing right from wrong is not enough, if we don't have the ability, intention & courage to act on it. Does this remind you of "Action speaks louder than words."

For example when a mother is teaching her child to make vegetable eating a habit, she rewards the kid with a bit of chocolate. And for a child by doing what he should ( eat vegetables)  his desire for chocolate is fulfilled as well :-)

Or when a teacher drives students to stretch to complete work, he announces free time to have fun as well.

Knowledge leads to choice and then ability to act and desire for self realisation leads to actioning upon the right choice.

2*2=4 and TRUTH

2+2 = 4, and kids learn that in Kindergarten
2*2 = 4, and kids learn that in maybe grade 1
or in other words 2 square = 4, and kids learn that in say grade 4

Truth is revealed over a period of time as we are ready to understand the same.
The equations hold true always just we learn and understand at different ages.

2 is a special number as same equations are not true for 3 or any other number 3+3=6, but 3*3=9.

Mathematical truths and all truths have to be understood and then they are simple.
The universal laws of nature have always been there and hold true, its just when we become aware of them we begin to understand them our perspective and reactions in life change.

Gita & Dhoom 3 ( another one from an FB post)

Below txt is written by them. Dhoom 3 catch lines, rewritten by them for their own spiritual learning and growth!
------------
Bande hain hum uske (we are part of supreme self),

Ham pe kiska zor (we are not in control of this worldly maya),

Ummedo ke suraj nikle charon aur (sadachar, swadhyay, sat sang, naam jaap to guide us),

Eradeye hain fauladi (we are fully committed on the path of God realization),

Himmati har kadam (we have courage and discipline in all events of life),

Apne haathon kismat likhne (we have the intellect and power to achieve our ultimate goal),

Aaj chale hain hum (we have started our journey of self realization)

Gratitude

As per Wikipedia , Gratitude is a strong emotion which flows out of you when you realize that you are lucky and blessed. We are bound to be grateful in every step of life.

Some other quotes :

Gratitude is a strong emotion which flows out of you when you realize that you are lucky and blessed. We are bound to be grateful in every step of life.

Its not happiness that brings about Gratitude. It is Gratitude that brings us happiness.

Imagine : what if you woke up tomorrow with only what you were grateful for today???
Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

Gratitude is knowing that it is all a blessing from the divine and that God's plans are always perfect.

Being grateful takes you on a journey of innerpeace. Being grateful for this life, the kind of parents you were born to, the upbringing & education, the opportunities & challenges ....the list goes on.

In Gita there are various references that once human form is attained its to test if one can understand the purpose of life and maintain the pursuit toward the goal amidst all distractions. The first step on the path is being grateful for the human life. Next gratitude for the awareness & knowledge. Gratitude for the opportunities and help that God provides along the way (teachers, friends, satsang...).

Gita in a poem ! (copy pasted from Face Book post)

This was written by Geetha Nagraj. Her son Vinay studies in the US and she keeps sending him summaries and even does Gita with him regularly. Both parents and son have realised how much Gita is needed by all, for a happy, peaceful and fulfilling life 

 (1)

Everything is in vain

Arjun cried out in pain      

How do I kill my kith and kin?

Oh my God, it is a sin

I do not want to play this game

It will only bring me shame

Let me not indulge in this war

I cannot take this any far

(2)

Pity, you are meek and weak

Who fears future is so bleak

Know your might and the grace

A great warrior of your race

I am really torn asunder

My Lord, here I surrender

You know what is best and right

Guide me through this dark night

Hear me say the Truth in brief

Abandon indeed all that grief

Differ how they Body and Soul

Know this reality as a whole

Prescribed duties you fulfill

With single focus, if you will

Mind not the results in every age

It will lead to mere bondage

With senses controlled, wise men say

It is all but a Divine Play

Pleasure and pain life may bring

Glories of Lord they always sing

Two main evils desire and anger

Enlightened know how to conquer

They lead their lives, quiet and peaceful

Filled with joy, serene and blissful

(3)

Knowledge and Action, ways are two

Which one is better, guide me through

Everyone is so bound to act

No one can deny, it is a fact

Do your job with all your might

If it is detached, it is so right

Free of ego do your best

For the benefit of the rest

Sacrifice is the way to go

To reach the Supreme as you know

Based on which the Creation rests

This is how the Universe works

Know your strength, trade and skill

Make your destiny with your will

Your own task, do it with charm

Others’ role, it will only harm

Rest not until you fulfill your duty

Seek your Self in all its very beauty

(4)

You do not know ME fully yet

I am the Real and the Light

When Right is in its very decline

I manifest in forms, all divine

I appear at MY will, time and again

To restore peace, I ascertain

Leave your desire, fear and anger

Follow your way with all the fervor

Every path is dear and pleasant

If pursued with pure intent

Action and inaction, it is a world of choice

Always listen to your inner voice

A man’s life sans oblation

Leads him away from salvation

(5)

Renunciation and Action, ways are two

            Which one is better, guide me through

Superior to renunciation

I say it is unattached action

With subdued senses and life so pure

Anyone can reach ME, this is for sure

Even wise men perform deed

To purify their souls indeed

Ever clear in their equal vision

They are ever on their mission

(6)

You and only you are your friend and enemy

Elevate the spirit on your own journey

Honor and dishonor life will throw

Treat them equal, they come and go

Eat, sleep and act in moderation

Helps to reach your final destination

He is with ME and very aware

Who knows and sees ME everywhere  

Control your mind, restless for sure

Practice and dispassion, you ensure

Faith and worship come what may

He is the most devout, I would say

(7)

Thousands of men tried their best

Very few have passed the test

I am the seed and the essence

In everything, feel my presence

Blinded by their delusion

World is in my illusion

But those who seek my divine grace

With all the love I embrace

Worshippers and seekers, men are four

Pious Savants, I adore

Any worship, men may long

I make that faith firm and strong

(8)

I am the knowledge and the source

Everything springs from my creative force

Those who know ME as the ONE

And fill their thoughts of ME alone

At their end and along the road

They make their way easily to my abode

Mind and Intellect fixed in my sublime

Therefore remember ME all the time

Noble devotees reach their aim of eternal peace

Away from this painful and transient place

(9)

Secret of Truth I will share

It is the Royal Science, I declare

Actions in this path easy to perform

Pure and pleasant in its form

Those who cavil all the while

Will return to their path of vile

I am the cause and the effect

Everything possesses my divine aspect

Nature’s various manifestations

Are born under my directions

I am the father and the mother

And the supporter and purifier

I am the origin and dissolution

And the shelter and foundation

Only ME, who think and serve,

Their need, I secure and preserve

A leaf, flower, fruit or just water

Whatsoever my devotees offer

With all the delight, I accept

It is the intent that I respect

Whatever you do, eat or give

You submit to ME, it is the way to live

On the path to your noble goal

And unite yourself with the Supreme soul

(10)

 I am the Truth and the unborn

With my power everything is born

Men who know that I am the Creator

Are in delight and enlighten one another

To such men who worship with love so dear

I provide them with intellect to come so near

                       

                        You are the Divine and all pervading

                        But how can I know thy in every being?

There is no end to my eminence

Wherever there is magnificence

Glorious, Splendor, brilliance or excellence

Know that it is my immanent presence

(11)

With your profound words for my own sake

                        My delusion is gone and I am now awake

                        I wish to see your form, infinite and divine

                        Show me if you think it is all fine

                       

You can see in ME the whole universe

Forms, colors and shapes so diverse

I grant the spiritual vision to see the wonder

Behold all that you see, it is all splendor

                        Oh My Lord, I see Thee in every side

                        And the cosmic form in which you reside

                        I see the entire creation

And the countless evolution

                        I see the good and the horror

                        And the universe in terror

                        I see the blazing fire

                        And now to know you fully, I desire

                       

I am the time, the present and past

Everyone will see their end at last

Know that I am the destroyer of all

So, stand up and attend to your call

Gifts, rituals or austerities, men may perform

To see my cosmic exalted form

But only those who render their pure devotion

Are blessed to have this wonderful vision

12)

One who worships and meditates on ME

I help to liberate, such a noble devotee

He who is ever friendly and without any ego

Always the same to a friend or foe

Equipoised in honor and dishonor, praise and censure

Cold and heat, pain and pleasure

Neither rejoices nor hates

Nor grieves nor desires

Pure, forgiving, alert, full of compassion and devotion

Content, silent and steady in meditation

Adroit in work and possessed of firm conviction

And without any agitation

Free from elation, envy, anxiety and fear

Such a devotee is near and dear

13)

Understand the concept of Matter and Spirit

The gross and subtle elements that is born with it

Knowledge will awaken the sleepy soul

Help you reach your lofty goal

Humility, non-injury, purity and unpretentiousness

Forgiveness, respect for teacher, self-control and uprightness

These are the qualities one must gain

With this knowledge, he is not born again

Those who see the Lord in every being

Reaches HIS eternal divine dwelling

14)

Purity, Passion and Inertia, constituents are three

Of the Nature, that is born from ME

Purity binds to knowledge and divineness

At all times leads to happiness

Elements of Passion are restlessness and constant action

It can only lead to pain and dejection

Inertia binds to useless activity, sleep and indolence

Result of which is ignorance

Everyone is so bound by these modes of three

One who transcends them becomes free

15)

Know this eternal truth that the individualized Self

Is nothing but an eternal part of Myself

In the body with five senses and the mind, I reside

Providing vitality for all beings, everything I preside

Those who possess the divine eye

Behold ME and contemplate so high

In the sun, moon and fire, know that light to be mine

I support all beings by my strength so prime

16)

Those who are born to attain sublime qualities

Possess all the divine properties

But those who are born for a demoniac estate

Exhibit all the traits that enslave

With hypocrisy, anger, lust and arrogance

They walk the path of only ignorance

Lust, anger and greed are three gates to pain

Renounce these and pursue the noble aim

Follow the guidelines prescribed in sacred text

They are the authority in what is best

17)

Faith of the embodied is a threefold kind

It depends on how their innate natures bind

Pure, passionate or dark

It depends on their inner mark

Know about three types of food, sacrifice and austerities

And the threefold way of giving charities

Harmless, truthful, helpful and pleasant

In austerity of speech, these are present

Discipline of the mind brings silence and calmness

And self restraint, purity and gentleness

Without any faith, one who does all these in haste

In this life and hereafter, goes only waste

18)

Know about abandonment and renunciation

Here is my ultimate declaration

Never should be abandoned, sacrifice, charity and austerity

Since it leads to purity         

Obligatory duties, all should perform

Agreeable or disagreeable, pure men always conform

Detached and not desiring of the fruit

Every prescribed duty, they execute

Action and its causes, understand all the facts

Helps you comprehend the reasons behind all acts

Kinds of knowledge, action, intellect, fortitude and pleasure

Are pure, passionate or dark, three in measure

Everyone’s duties depends on how their qualities bind

Qualities born of nature are four in kind

By engaging in their own duty, wise men attain perfection

And with Supreme they make their connection

Heart of every being is Lord’s dwelling

Seek his refuge and manifest your divine being

Secret of secrets, this wisdom I have shared so clear

It is because to me you are so dear

With all the knowledge gained, you reflect

Choice is yours and now you act

If you take refuge in me for sure

Will liberate you from all the sins, this I assure

This supreme knowledge with devotion who teach

Without any doubt my abode, they reach

                        With your grace, I am now aware

My doubts are dispelled, this I declare

                        My faith is firm and intact

                        Now as per your words, I will act.