Gratitude & Hope

 GRATITUDE & HOPE

The storm had taken the birds by surprise. They flew helter skelter, feeling devastated to leave their cosy habitats. How could they survive? How could they deal with the unexpected hardships of life? Their minds reeled with confusion. All they understood at that moment was that they had to learn to endure and overcome the adversities in life. There was no other choice. Consequently, amidst the thunder, lightning and rain, they quietly embraced the darkness that engulfed them and tried to deal with their unenviable situation as best as they could.

The rain stopped after many days of non-stop downpour. The storm subsided and the sun shone brightly again, heralding a new day. The birds emerged from their hideouts and felt disheartened at the sight of devastation that greeted them, especially when they saw their broken homes. Their hearts sunk in sorrow but they did not allow grief to weigh them down. Instead, each one of them bowed in gratitude before Mother Nature, thanking her for keeping them alive.

Soon all the birds gathered and vowed to begin life afresh. They worked hard day and night to build their nests and secure a safe home for their young ones. They were happy to turn a new page in the book of life and look ahead.

The most magical thing about them was their positive attitude and perspective towards life. They chose to count their blessings, instead of dwelling upon their sorrows. They preferred to march ahead, instead of lamenting over the past. They opened their hearts to love instead of sinking into bitterness.

Soon the entire forest was brimming with vibrant life once again. The beautiful rays of the sun kissed the emerald leaves. Flowers bloomed, glorifying the beauty and bounty of Nature. The chirping of birds filled the air with music and melody. It was gratitude and hope that helped them overcome the difficulties that Nature’s wrath had hurled at them.

LIFE LESSON

Life is an interesting journey of highs and lows. It is our perspective that helps us traverse through this maze. The difficult situations are actually blessings in disguise. They are meant to help us evolve and become a better version of ourselves. To become bitter or better, the choice is always ours!

Whenever life throws challenges at us, instead of becoming resentful, we need to fill our hearts with gratitude and hope, for they are  the superpowers that enable us to receive grace from the divine at the most needed moments.

“Gratitude and Hope are like the two wings of a bird that propels one to achieve success and happiness in life”- Prof. Shalini R. Pujari

Written by: Saraswathithi M. V

Mentor: Prof Shalini R. Pujari

Understanding The Bhagwad Gita

 Understanding The Bhagwad Gita

A group of literature enthusiasts were totally engrossed in a conversation at a cafe. The topic of hot discussion revolved around the necessity of studying our scriptures. Although our country has a vast treasure trove of sacred scriptures and erudite books on philosophy, very few have either the inclination or curiosity to explore these magnificent texts. Naturally the question that arises in the mind is - how can one relate to ancient scriptures like the Bhagwad Gita to modern times? Can one live by the time tested values imparted in the Gita in a highly competitive world, where only material possessions are given utmost importance? Is the Gita relevant only for elderly people nearing the end of their lives so that they can leave this world peacefully? The literature enthusiasts were determined to find answers to these questions so that they could arrive at the truth.

All of them consequently decided to enroll for a Bhagwad Gita course, each having different motives for taking up the course. One wanted to study the scripture purely out of curiosity while others either hoped to find solutions to their problems or were in search of peace. The expectations were many. However as the course progressed, to their utter surprise, they discovered that the Bhagwad Gita guided them to a path which made them explore and understand their true selves. Some of them who were keen to carve out their own identity in the world were excited to discover the meaning and purpose of life and what they genuinely wanted to be to find fulfillment and true happiness.

The most valuable lessons they learned were - the importance of controlling desires through self discipline, exercising patience at all times , mastering the fickle wayward mind and steering their thoughts in the right direction to calm the mind and above all doing their duty with diligence and non attachment. In the process, their minds were enlightened and their hearts were cleansed, making room for displaying compassion towards their fellow beings. They learnt the art of forgiveness which helped them find peace by letting go of toxic hatred towards those who had wronged them. 

The Gita also helped them inculcate a healthy lifestyle by improving their understanding of people around them. They adopted a holistic approach towards life, developed healthy relationships and become better versions of themselves. Their journey from ignorance to enlightenment was indeed endearing.

When they all met again at the cafe to exchange notes of the new journey they had embarked on together, on their voyage of discovering the truth, it was an enlivening encounter.  All had acquired a newer perspective on life and everybody agreed and nodded their heads in unison, when one of them remarked - “The Gita is truly meant for every individual, irrespective of their age. We can truly understand the Gita, when we humbly accept the transcendental knowledge with utmost faith and  love towards the opulent Bhagwan. Only then will we be able to awaken the divine Paramatma residing within each of us and firmly reestablish our eternal relationship with Him.”

Bhagwan Shri Krishna says the following to Arjuna :

Bg. 4.3

स एवायं मया तेऽद्य योगः प्रोक्तः पुरातनः । भक्तोऽसि मे सखा चेति रहस्यं ह्येतदुत्तमम् ॥ ३ ॥

sa evāyaṁ mayā te ’dya yogaḥ proktaḥ purātanaḥ bhakto ’si me sakhā ceti rahasyaṁ  etad uttamam

Translation

That very ancient science of the relationship with the Supreme is today told by Me to you because you are My devotee as well as My friend and can therefore understand the transcendental mystery of this science.

Written by : Sarawathi M V

Mentor : Prof. Shalini R Pujari