Identifying and Eliminating The Toxicity within Oneself

            

Toxicity has always existed in the society . It is a product of the human mind which stems from negative thoughts. A zillion thoughts engulf the  mind each day, which give rise to a myriad emotions that influence a person's behavior. There is some amount of toxicity in every individual, no matter how good one is. Ironically, the presence of toxicity is always identified in others rather than the self.  The emotions commonly associated with toxicity are anger, greed, insecurity and envy but apart from these 'self pity' is also one of the most common toxic feeling one can harbour. 

Individuals who are at the recieveing end  in a toxic environment often seek help. But people who vent  their negativity  by exploding on others fail to  identify the  toxicity within themselves. They justify their inappropriate behaviour by blaming others. The Bhagwad Gita teaches individuals  to identify the negative emotions in oneself and cleanse the heart and mind through meditation and prayer.  Everybody experiences  negativity at the most difficult phases of life but identifying the negative thoughts  and eliminating them by exercising control over the mind will prevent people from destroying relationships. 

Introspection is the key to overcome negativity. Prayer and meditation are the two medicines that  can help us get rid of toxicity. We use one finger to point at the mistakes of others but forget that the other four are pointing towards us. When people take accountability for their thoughts, speech and actions, there will be a healthy environment for all to thrive. If we focus our senses inwards in search of the divine  situated within us as Paramatma, we shall find eternal happiness and the chaos of the outside world will fail to stir up our emotions. We can always be happy , calm and peaceful only when we discover our inner light; connect with the Supreme being situated in our hearts.

When  toxic thoughts give rise to feelings of insecurity, fear, helplessness, anger, despair, envy, vengeance, hatred, etc,., remembering the name of the divine acts as a process of self purification and elevates us towards the higher self.

Bg. 4.10

वीतरागभयक्रोधा मन्मया मामुपाश्रिताः ।
बहवो ज्ञानतपसा पूता मद्भ‍ावमागताः ॥ १० ॥

vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhā
man-mayā mām upāśritāḥ
bahavo jñāna-tapasā
pūtā mad-bhāvam āgatāḥ

Translation

Being freed from attachment, fear and anger, being fully absorbed in Me and taking refuge in Me, many, many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me – and thus they all attained transcendental love for Me.

Overpowering The Tsunami of Emotions

 Overpowering The Tsunami of Emotions

Human emotions are like the tsunami, having the power to destroy our sanity in the most unexpected moments. The onslaught of emotions can diminish our capacity to think and behave appropriately at the given time and situation.

Negative emotions like anger, greed, and envy are the ones which create maximum havoc. In a fit of rage people explode in anger, heaping it either on their loved ones or on the concerned person with whom they have an issue. Rude words are spoken impulsively which not only hurt the victims but leave lasting impression on their hearts. Uncontrolled violent emotions break relationships which then become difficult to mend. It is often the inadequacy in dealing with the external environment, inability to accept oneself or exercise self – control,  that compels people to behave in such a manner. 

If we contemplate on the solution, the best remedy would be to turn towards the divine. Bhagawan Shri Krishna is also known as “Hrishikesha” or the controller of senses. When we connect with God and confide in Him, our negative emotions will gradually subside. The spiritual gurus lay emphasis on practicing ‘Yoga’ (connecting with God), which can be done through meditation or chanting the name of ‘Ishta Devatha’.

If we set aside sometime for God on a daily basis, and share our deepest fears, insecurities and concerns when we feel low and miserable, life will be so much better. The people around us will no longer be victims of our negativity. No matter what happens in life, we should always keep smiling and spreading positivity.

Negative emotions are inevitable but whenever we feel overwhelmed by them, we need to remind ourselves that Krishna is the ultimate controller of our senses. Hence remembering him constantly and chanting His name can save us from the tsunami of emotions.

Bhagwan Shri Krishna says the following to Arjuna in Bhagwad Gita:

Bg. 2.61

तानि सर्वाणि संयम्य युक्त आसीत मत्परः ।
वशे हि यस्येन्द्रियाणि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ॥ ६१ ॥

tāni sarvāṇi saṁyamya
yukta āsīta mat-paraḥ
vaśe hi yasyendriyāṇi
tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā

Translation

One who restrains his senses, keeping them under full control, and fixes his consciousness upon Me, is known as a man of steady intelligence.

Are We Progressing?

 

The term progress signifies improvement or success in one’s life. We all have a habit of checking upon ourselves, analysing how much we have progressed in life and the standard rule for doing this is comparing ourselves with others. It is human tendency to check whether we are doing better than the people around us. Most of us measure progress in materialistic terms, especially our possessions and lifestyle. Some measure progress in terms of awards, rewards and the recognition they have received in the society.

We often pay very little attention to how far we have progressed as individuals, in terms of our ability to resolve conflicts, our temperament, our understanding of others and the strength of our relationships. These are the real issues that need to be addressed as they signify progress of our own self as individuals which is of utmost importance in life.

Patience in the face of adversity is progress. Stability amidst chaos is progress. The ability to be happy in all circumstances is progress. Controlling anger and remaining silent in the most difficult situations is progress. Setting boundaries in relationships and being respectful towards our fellow beings is progress. Being mindful and content with life is progress. These are the milestones that mark the growth of every individual. True progress lies in overcoming your vices and becoming a sensible person, finding your own path, walking at your own pace and refusing to be a part of the rat race.

So, are you progressing?

Time to introspect and find the answer for yourself.

Bhagwan Shri Krishna says the following to Arjuna:

Bg. 6.5

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् ।

आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन: ॥ ५ ॥

uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ

nātmānam avasādayet

ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur

ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ

Translation

One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.

My heartfelt gratitude to my mentor Prof Shalini R Pujari for her guidance in this spiritual journey.

The Art Of Letting Go

 

In this beautiful journey of life we are meant to evolve,  gain wisdom and grow from all the experiences that we have gained. The good and bad, the ugly and beautiful, the joys and sorrows are the various chapters that teach us invaluable lessons. 

The river is the perfect example of how one should go with the flow. It is unstoppable. It is a symbol of  strength, as it embraces everything that comes along its path without losing it’s true essence. The river teaches us to be persistent, as it keeps flowing through the toughest terrains. It also teaches us to be resilient as it possess the power to overcome any barrier or obstacle that comes in the way.

It is human nature to cling on to people, situations and circumstances which are not good for our well being. This attachment often causes great sorrow and it is the baggage of disappointments that often weighs us down. We fail to understand that certain situations, people and circumstances are beyond our control. The best we can do is accept things as they are and move on. The only way forward is to adopt a new perspective and let go of that which is not good for us without any resentment or regrets. What is meant for us will definitely come along. We must have confidence in our self and immense faith in God.

It is impermanence that makes life beautiful. When we realise that everything in life is temporary we will have no fear of losing anything. We will learn to let go and  rebuild ourselves even if life breaks us. Living with a sense of detachment helps us grow and become the best version of ourselves. We can retain our true self only when we accept the unchangeable, adapt to new perspectives and go with the flow, embracing each chapter of life as it comes.

“Train Yourself to let go 

Of everything you fear to lose

That is the key to happiness”

_Buddha.

The Power of Intentions

 

A thought has the power to transform lives and it is our thought process that determines the quality of our life. One of the important lessons we are taught in the early stages of life is to ‘think before we act’, yet all that people do is focus on the consequences or outcome of their actions and not the quality of their thoughts.  The mind carefully executes every deed but one does not really ponder about the intention behind an act or the purity of thought.

Majority of the problems that exist in the world are because of lack of clarity in thought. The challenges faced in everyday life forces humankind to act without thinking or encourages wrong thinking. People lead a life of pretence and although their conscience tells them to follow the path of goodness, the stubborn mind overpowers the conscience and compels them to strive for sake of survival. They put up a façade either to live up to the standards set by the society or to fulfil the expectations of family. While they appear perfect to the outside world, their inner self deteriorates day by day causing emotional turmoil, feelings of insecurity, hatred and jealousy towards others.

Purity of thought can be attained only when we learn to be honest with ourselves and others. It is possible to be our true self, without hurting others, only when our intentions are pure and we are able to communicate effectively with the people around us.

Our intentions have the power to make or break our life. Hence it is our responsibility to work towards the purification of our heart, mind and thoughts. Individuals should work on developing their character and not just on enhancing reputation. Our character is our true self while our reputation is what others think of us, a false identity. Once we learn to conquer our mind and work with good intentions, then the divine works through us, guiding and helping us to live a meaningful life. 

Bhagwan Shri Krishna says the following in shloka B G 

                                   Bg. 6.6

बन्धुरात्मात्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जित: ।

अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत् ॥ ६ ॥

bandhur ātmātmanas tasya

yenātmaivātmanā jitaḥ

anātmanas tu śatrutve

vartetātmaiva śatru-vat

Translation

For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy.

The Quest for the True Self

 

On this amazing journey from the womb to the tomb, we all strive to live well and lead a happy and successful life. Majority of people consider 'God' as their provider and protector and worship deities of their own choice to seek blessings. But very few try to understand the truth that God is much more than the beautiful form we worship. He is the Supreme power that governs this universe and pervades it. He is seated in every living entity in the form of Paramatma - the cosmic power which resides deep in every individual soul. Thus spirituality is not just about connecting with the divine but also understanding our true nature and our relationship with the divine. 

The ancient sacred scriptures of our country, the Vedas and Upanishads, are a compilation of the divine experiences of the Rishis. They were completely immersed in their sadhana and many of them preferred not to reveal their names as they sought oneness with the divine.  Their goal was to impart knowledge of the divine to humankind without any sense of proprietorship. 

While the majority of population strives to acquire wealth and enjoy material pleasures, a spiritual seeker realizes that this human life is a gift which needs to be utilized for understanding the magnificence of creation. The true purpose of life is to know the creator, connect with Him, develop qualities in oneself akin to the divine and ultimately go back to Him. 

The greatest gift humankind has received is the gift of 'conscience'. It is our God-given ability to think, rationalize, discriminate and act righteously. These abilities set us apart from the other life forms on Earth. If this conscience is utilized for the betterment of self and welfare of others, then the world can truly become a magical place to live in. Every word, every thought and every action done correctly can bring us closer to the Divine and rekindle the divinity within each one of us. 

However, when we consider the challenges that life throws at us, this is easier said than done. But if we are determined to take this path, then the way begins to appear. Life is a series of experiences that is meant to mend us, awaken us and help us listen to the inner voice, the voice of our true self. It is important to realize that every experience good and bad is a part of growth and never a hindrance. Once we embark on the spiritual journey we will learn that every bitter experience is a catalyst that will transform us from within and bring us closer to the divine. 

Spirituality is not meant only for those nearing the end of their lives. It is meant for everyone who wishes to live a meaningful and enriching life, imbibing the qualities of kindness, compassion, patience, perseverance, selflessness, forgiveness and unconditional love. We can embrace the world that we live in as a manifestation of the divine only when we acknowledge the presence of the divine within us and connect with Him. Hence the ultimate quest in life should be the quest for the true self- the quest for the Divine. 

In verse 7.18 9of Bhagwad Gita, Bhagwan Shri Krishna says the following:

Bg. 7.18

उदारा: सर्व एवैते ज्ञानी त्वात्मैव मे मतम् ।

आस्थित: स हि युक्तात्मा मामेवानुत्तमां गतिम् ॥ १८ ॥

udārāḥ sarva evaite

jñānī tv ātmaiva me matam

āsthitaḥ sa hi yuktātmā

mām evānuttamāṁ gatim

Translation

All these devotees are undoubtedly magnanimous souls, but he who is situated in knowledge of Me I consider to be just like My own self. Being engaged in My transcendental service, he is sure to attain Me, the highest and most perfect goal.

Special thanks to my mentor : Prof Shalini R Pujari

MOHA

 

 Love is the magnetic energy that sustains humanity. It is the basis and very essence of all relationships. It is love that creates a bond between mother and child, husband and wife , siblings, friends and extended family.  Relationships  thrive when love is  mutual and unconditional. 

In a world of dualities everything should be consumed in moderation. Even the Great lord Buddha preaches about taking the middle path in life.  We need to balance between abundance and adversity. Too much or too little of anything can create havoc in our lives. Similarly the energy  called Love should  flow  in moderation and unconditionally.  Giving love only when our expectations are met is nothing but barter system. Love becomes "MOHA or attachment" when we become possessive and begin to control the lives of our dear ones in the name of concern.  There is a fine line between love and attachment which we often fail to acknowledge.  When we cross these boundaries bond turns into bondage.  It is these invisible strings of attachment that cause suffering and suffocation in relationships. It also  leads to feelings of being not good enough, low self esteem and unworthiness. 

TRUE love is about empowering each other by giving space for one to grow, understanding different perspectives  and having healthy  boundaries. It also means that we should work towards building up emotional  independence in each other and allow our loved ones to live life to the fullest. This awareness prevents us from taking advantage of each other, maintain mutual respect and promotes personal  growth. 

Love is the purest of all emotions that has to be given wholeheartedly. It should never be coated with self interests, greed or unrealistic expectations. Humanity will thrive only when this magnetic energy  flows with no strings attached .

AATHMEEYA

 

AATHMEEYA

The emotional anchor 

 

Meera bai sat quietly, gazing at the idol of her beloved deity - Lord Krishna. Her eyes conveyed everything she wanted to say in silence. This was her daily ritual, which she had been practising since childhood. Her deity - Sri Krishna was her confidante and her eternal friend. It was to Him that she could bare her heart and unburden herself.  She would share her insecurities, worries, feelings and all the bottled up emotions which she otherwise could not share with her family or friends. Her deity was the emotional anchor of her life. 

An emotional anchor plays an important role in every individual’s life. We all need someone who can listen to us and understand us without judgement. We constantly look towards our near and dear ones for that emotional support. But not everyone meets our expectations, leading to feelings of frustration and inadequacy in relationships. Lack of emotional support is the major cause for disappointments in relationships. 

LIFE LESSON 

 Our emotional dependency is the major cause of disappointments in life. It is important to understand that everyone is fighting a battle of their own and our loved ones may not always be able to cater to our emotional needs due to their own shortcomings. Thus, it is unfair to blame them for not being there for us at those critical times of need or distress. It is also important to understand that practically all relationships have certain limitations. If we all turn towards “God” for emotional support, we can find tremendous courage within ourselves to face life and let go of all the emotional baggage that we carry. The Supreme is the only force that can bring emotional stability within us because the purpose of “Sanatana Dharma" is to connect with the divine. We can find true happiness and contentment only when our mind, faith and refuge are completely established in Him for He is our “Aathmeeya”, the true emotional anchor of our life. 

 

Bhagwan Shri Krishna says the following to Arjuna: 

Bg. 5.17 

तद्बुद्धयस्तदात्मानस्तन्निष्ठास्तत्परायणा: । 

गच्छन्त्यपुनरावृत्तिं ज्ञाननिर्धूतकल्मषा: ॥ १७ ॥ 

tad-buddhayas tad-ātmānas 

tan-niṣṭhās tat-parāyaṇāḥ 

gacchanty apunar-āvṛttiṁ 

jñāna-nirdhūta-kalmaṣāḥ 

Translation 

When one’s intelligence, mind, faith and refuge are all fixed in the Supreme, then one becomes fully cleansed of misgivings through complete knowledge and thus proceeds straight on the path of liberation. 

 

Written by : Saraswathi M V

Mentor: Prof. Shalini R Pujari

The Path to Perfection

 The Path to Perfection

From the moment we are born we are constantly told that life should unfold in a certain way to attain success and happiness. At every stage we are told to meet certain expectations which are vital for our progress, right from taking our first steps to achieving all the goals society has set for us to obtain the certificate for a perfect life. The bucket list of accomplishments considered worthy to be given this certificate includes social etiquette, education, career, material assets, marriage, children, etc. Consequently everybody strives hard to attain the goal of a perfect life.

However, no matter how hard one tries, sometimes life just doesn't match up to fit the blueprint we create for ourselves. People fail to understand that there is no such thing as a perfect life.  Inevitably, unfavorable circumstances occur which compel one to confront the reality of what life actually is - a mixture of both joy and sorrow. In the pursuit of chasing success and happiness, some ardent desires remain unfulfilled, making one feel inadequate, frustrated, trapped and miserable, causing immense pain. This is the time when we introspect to find the root cause of our suffering and turn towards God, seeking answers for all the unresolved queries of life so that we can find the true meaning and purpose of life. 

Life Lesson

When God wants all our attention, He creates situations that put us on the path that leads to him. He brings us to the state where our false beliefs shatter and transform our perspective towards life. The concept of a ‘perfect life’ set by society is unrealistic for if life was perfect, nobody would seek the Divine. No one would look beyond the temporary nature of this mortal world. It is the imperfections of life that drive us towards seeking the absolute truth. The unresolved questions about life turn us into seekers and compel us to find Him.  We then realize that the ultimate goal of human life is to reach out to the supreme, know him and re-establish our eternal bond with Him. That is the real meaning of liberation and the rightful path that leads us to true perfection.

Like a mother longing for her child’s affection and attention, Bhagwan Shri Krishna says the following to Arjuna:

Bg. 9.34

मन्मना भव मद्भ‍क्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु । मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायण: ॥ ३४ ॥

Bg. 9.34

मन्मना भव मद्भ‍क्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु । मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायण: ॥ ३४ ॥

man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru mām evaiṣyasi yuktvaivam ātmānaṁ mat-parāyaṇaḥ

Translation

Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisance to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to me.

Written by : Saraswathi M V

Mentor: Prof. Shalini R Pujari

Samavrtti-Embracing the Dualities of Life

 

Samavrtti-Embracing the Dualities of Life

SKY- the celestial sphere - is admired by all for its fabulous color, ethereal beauty and vast space of limitless quality. It is also the seat of cosmic power. Every living creature looks up to it, which makes it truly a magical part of our world. 

The most admirable quality of the sky is that it remains unperturbed whether birds and clouds glide past or thunder and lightning chase each other. It remains unfazed through day and night, embracing both darkness and light. Showing no preference it enhances the beauty of both the enchanting rainbow and the mesmerizing rain. The sky truly has no limits to its all- encompassing nature. 

LIFE LESSON

We humans have been bestowed with beauty and grace of the divine residing in each one of us as Paramatma and a powerful mind as vast as the celestial sphere, with its limitless capacity for rational thinking, imagination, creativity and understanding. We have been blessed with the ability to evolve as individuals, provided our thought process is channelized in the right direction. However, the biggest hindrance to our growth is our inability to embrace the dualities of life. We get so entangled in them that we forget our life purpose – to become the best version of ourselves. We can overcome this hindrance by bringing in stability in our nature. Meditation helps one to achieve stability of mind but in order to develop stability in nature we must learn to be equipoised. Equanimity can be achieved only when we develop detachment to the fruits of our actions and solely concern ourselves to doing our duty without yearning for the results of our actions. This is the nature of a true Karmayogi whose actions do not bind. When we perform our work selflessly as service to God, we then perceive both positive and negative fruits of our work as the ‘Will of God’, and joyfully accept both. 

The first step towards developing equanimity within ourselves is to practice MINDFULNESS. We need to live in the present moment with greater awareness of our thoughts and actions. We also need to learn to RESPOND and not REACT to situations… to focus on what is necessary and let go of all that disturbs our peace of mind. We need to stop taking everything personally, distance ourselves from situations so that we can analyze them from a neutral perspective for better understanding. Self awareness can help us control our thoughts, desires and emotions, for the art of true knowing lies in knowing what to ignore and what to focus on.

Bhagwan Shri Krishna says the following to Arjuna:

Bg. 4.22

यदृच्छालाभसंतुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः । समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते ॥ २२ ॥

yadṛcchā-lābha-santuṣṭo dvandvātīto vimatsaraḥ samaḥ siddhāv asiddhau ca kṛtvāpi na nibadhyate

Translation

He who is satisfied with gain which comes of its own accord, who is free from duality and does not envy, who is steady in both success and failure, is never entangled, although performing actions.

Written by: Saraswathi M V

Mentor: Prof. Shalini R Pujari

DEVOTION - An expression of love

 Devotion

An expression of love

Devotion literally means an expression of love. Generally when we hear the term devotion, the first thought that comes to the mind is the religious sentiment that has been associated with this term since time immemorial.

All of us have our own ways of expressing our devotion. Majority of people express their devotion towards God, the highest cosmic power. Some follow elaborate rituals of worship like offering incense sticks, camphor, fruits, flowers and prasadam to their beloved deities. Others visit places of worship like temples. Some believe in helping the poor while others offer selfless dedicated service towards their families. Some meditate upon the holy name while others prefer to express their devotion by studying scriptures to understand the supreme truth. For many others, devotion means being dedicated to their work. They believe in the mantra, ‘Work is Worship.’ 

Thus the definition of devotion varies from person to person as it has many forms. Devotion can also mean the ability to love life as it is, love the people around us and the work that we do. It is the ability to embrace the dualities of life, remain calm amidst storms and connecting with the divinity within ourselves.

If one needs to truly understand the term devotion, then one has to view it from the spiritual perspective. Devotion in its purest form means love towards our creator, the cosmic power that sustains the entire universe. It is the light of love that shines the brightest and illuminates the entire universe.

In Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna says the following to Arjuna

Bg. 9.27

यत्करोषि यदश्न‍ासि यज्ज‍ुहोषि ददासि यत् । यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम् ॥ २७ ॥

yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam

Translation

Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform – do that, O son of Kuntī, as an offering to me.

Written by: Saraswathi M V

Mentor: Prof. Shalini R Pujari

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

Nirmama - rising above 'me and mine'

 Nirmama

(Rising above 'me and mine')

Man is the master of his destiny! His karma or actions decide the course of his life. His conscience is the guide that steers him on the  journey of life. He strives to attain name,  fame, wealth and secure a good life for himself and his family.  Above all he desires to have a  sense of belonging. Hence he constantly seeks validation from others in the form of recognition and appreciation to feed his ego and gain satisfaction. A satisfied Ego makes him feel worthy,  loved and happy. However this happiness is purely temporary because the Ego is in continuous need of satisfaction which is not always possible . There are times when the Ego is hurt and with experience man gradually learns that he always cannot  receive appreciation and acknowledgement that he desires. Disappointment sets in, hence to keep himself happy he builds an  illusionary Ego. This illusionary Ego is a false self , merely created to make himself happy by feeling superior to others. 

The false Ego makes him feel proud , arrogant and delusional. He starts believing that the world revolves around him and  thrives because of his presence and contributions. He starts assuming that the world around him would crush without his presence and actions. These fanciful  thoughts give him a sense of doership as well as an exaggerated sense of self- importance. . He starts putting down others and makes them feel inferior so that in comparison he can feel superior. In fact, the false Ego compels him to  build a wall around himself which eventually secludes and isolates him from others and makes him emotionally unavailable to them.  

The foolish man forgets that he is not just the perishable body but an eternal soul, a spiritual spark, which is just a speck in this vast universe. This false identification with the  body keeps him limited to the “ me and mine” mentality.. 

Man under the influence of the modes of material nature- goodness, passion and ignorance ; thinks of himself as the doer. Unaware! of the fact that although we all have a conscience there is a Grandmaster who controls our senses – HRISHIKESHA. It is sheer ignorance which keeps him away from the Absolute Truth that  it is the opulent Bhagwan who actually controls everything, including the universe and everything in it.

He is the actual doer who controls us through Prana or the life force, which gives us the ability or capacity to do all that we desire.

Bhagwan Shri krishna clearly explains this to Arjuna in verse  :

Bg. 3.27

प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः ।

अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते ॥ २७ ॥

prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni

guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ

ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā

kartāham iti manyate

Translation

The spirit soul bewildered by the influence of false ego thinks himself the doer of activities that are in actuality carried out by the three modes of material nature

LIFE LESSON

As long as we think we are the doers, we become the sufferers. The moment the soul aligns itself to the will of the universe and surrenders to the cosmic force, it receives abundant grace. The biggest realisation being that all of us have to do our duty unmindful of appreciation, acknowledgement or criticism. Remember: The Bhagwan is Opulent; He has strength, fame,  beauty, riches, knowledge and renunciation. He chooses to be detached and rules this universe with a 'Nirmama' bhaava ( nothing is mine).It is this ‘Nirmama’ bhaava we need to cultivate to lead a happy and peaceful life. Nothing belongs to us not even our karma, everything is given by him and we should acknowledge  him for all that he has given us. It’s time we rise above the petty limited concept of “ me and mine!”

Written by: Saraswathi M V

Mentor: Prof. Shalini R Pujari

LIVING WITH MINDFULNESS

 LIVING with MINDFULNESS

The new age phobia is FOMO - Fear of Missing Out.  In life everyone has the desire to fit in, live up to peer pressure and meet the expectations of society. Hence they feel the compulsion to follow the ongoing trends. People are willing to even live beyond their means to fulfil their desires, unmindful of the repercussions. 

No doubt desire is necessary for survival but it is also like the ever burning fire that is difficult to extinguish. It overpowers the senses and when unfulfilled leads to anxiety, restlessness, envy, resentment and many such vices. The quality of life is diminished and one fails to find peace and happiness in life.

When people are blindly driven by desires, they lose control of their thought processes. Their mind becomes troubled and lacks clarity of thinking. The need to fulfil their desires overpowers logical reasoning and hence they are unable to make the right decisions in any given situation. Constant comparison with others makes them feel dissatisfied and unhappy, which in turn adversely affects their relationships with others, creating disharmony in life.

Life lesson

Each one of us is unique and so is our journey on this planet. The need to belong comes naturally to every human being. However, it is important to understand that what is right for one person may not necessarily be right for another. Hence anything that is wrong must be firmly condemned, even if the majority are in favour of it.

 In a world that is full of distractions, one can easily get carried away; therefore it is important to pause, think and ask yourself - Is this right for me? What is it that I genuinely need at this moment?   It is wise to de-clutter the mind and focus on what is really needed at the moment to lead a happy and meaningful life.  So make sure that you are always in control of your desires and conscious of your thoughts and actions. This is the right path to true contentment and happiness in life.

 In the Bhagwad Gita, Shri Krishna shares the secret to wise and mindful living in the following shloka-

Bg. 2.58

यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वशः ।

इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ॥ ५८ ॥

yadā saṁharate cāyaṁ

kūrmo ’ṅgānīva sarvaśaḥ

indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyas

tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā

Translation

One who is able to withdraw his senses from sense objects, as the tortoise draws its limbs within the shell, is established firmly established in Divine wisdom.

Written by Saraswathi M V

Mentor credits: Prof. Shalini Pujari

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

 

“You reap what you sow” – After this moral lesson was taught to her in the value education class, Rhea returned home from school, her mind confused, full of questions that demanded answers. Curious and eager to know more about the meaning of the proverb, she went to her mother and asked, “Mamma, today the topic discussed in the value education class was, ‘you reap what you sow’. The teacher told us that what we give comes back to us; so does that mean should we should always do good?” 

“Yes Rhea,” her mother replied. “Your teacher is right. We all have to bear the consequences of whatever we do, so it is important to do good and be good.”

This moral saying had a huge impact on Rhea and from then onwards she ensured that she was always conscious about the consequences of her actions. As a child she obeyed her teachers and parents and was good to her friends and family. As time passed, she started perceiving the world as black and white and gradually developed fear of committing bad karma which made her not only overcautious but also very anxious. She became increasingly judgemental and feared associating with people whom she considered to be bad. As a result, she started avoiding people with negative behaviour patterns and strived to be good to all. 

However, as she grew up she began to realise that every person she met had some imperfection or other. Every person she had personally found to be good had behaved badly with others while people she had presumed to be bad had surprised her with their innate kindness. This made her ponder over the moral principle she had learnt at school. Everyone has shades of grey in them, she mused and so is it possible to be good all the time? This question haunted her.

Eventually she learnt to see people as they are and understood that a person’s behaviour is to a large extent influenced by circumstances. Consequently, it is unjust to be judgemental and label someone as bad. She also realised that being good often meant living up to the expectations of others. When one does not live up to the expectation of others, one immediately ceases to be good for them. Thus it is unrealistic to expect to be in the good books of anyone all the time. 

One day when Rhea was filled with anxious thoughts about the right way to deal with people without entangling herself in what she considered to be ‘bad karma’, Rhea found her mother reading the Bhagwad Gita. She asked her, “Ma!  I am finding it very difficult to please everyone by being good all the time. Although I have tried my best, many people are angry or disappointed with me. Will I have to pay a price for the bad karma I have accumulated unintentionally?”  Her tone was anxious and her mother noticing it, tried to calm her by reading aloud out a verse from the Bhagwad Gita:

Bg. 2.47

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन ।

मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥ ४७ ॥

karmaṇy evādhikāras te

mā phaleṣu kadācana

mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr

mā te saṅgo ’stv akarmaṇi

Translation

You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.

LIFE LESSON

We all have obligations towards our family, friends and society. It is important to do our best in the interest of others but not advisable to become attached to the consequences of our actions. People make themselves miserable when they do not get credit for their contribution which causes anxiety.  Work that is done with attachment to results, whether positive or negative, is cause for bondage. So whatever you do, do it – UNCONDITIONALLY. 

Written by : Saraswsthi M V

Mentor credits: Prof Mrs Shalini Pujari

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS ( coping with the loss of a loved one)

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

( coping with the loss of a loved one)

"A heart overwhelmed with grief

Mourning over the loss of a loved one

Lamenting day and night

Wishing things could be undone

How can one find solace?

How can one endure the pain?

Knowing well that life without the beloved 

Will never be the same again!"

Life is the journey of a soul on a brief solo trip to this material world. We are here because we desire to experience, enjoy and learn from this world and above all understand that the most important aim of life is self realisation. 

To help us survive on this wonderful planet, God has bestowed on all of us a family to nurture and prepare us for this amazing but unpredictable journey. It is the bonding of our family relationships that gives sustenance and strength by providing us with security, confidence, love and affection.  Gradually this filial love grows into attachment and soon we cannot imagine life without our loved ones.

The greatest fear of mankind is death, especially the fear of losing someone near and dear to us. The irreplaceable loss of a loved one leaves a huge void in one’s life, a vacuum that can never be filled. A part of us is gone forever and we can never be the same again.  Our world turns upside down and the future seems bleak and insecure. How does one overcome the grief and lamentation? 

 At the battlefield of Kurukshetra Bhagwan Shri  Krishna says the following words to a grief stricken Arjuna: 

Bg. 2.13

देहिनोऽस्मिन्यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा ।

तथा देहान्तरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति ॥ १३ ॥

dehino ’smin yathā dehe

kaumāraṁ yauvanaṁ jarā

tathā dehāntara-prāptir

dhīras tatra na muhyati

Translation

As the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change.

The individual soul is the fragment of the supreme soul. The body is perishable but the soul is eternal. One who has perfect knowledge of the constitution of the individual soul, the Supersoul, and nature – both material and spiritual – is called a dhīra, or a most sober person. 

Bhagwan Shri Krishna further explains about the nature of the individual soul:

Bg. 2.20

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचि-

न्नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः ।

अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो

न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे ॥ २० ॥

na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin

nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ

ajo nityaḥ śāśvato ’yaṁ purāṇo

na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre

Translation

For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.

LIFE LESSON

Life is a journey from birth to death.  Every second, every breath, every step we take is taking us to our inevitable destination. We should realise that we are the insignificant fragments that belong to the super soul and our purpose of life is to find and know Him for He is our true permanent companion for not just this life but forever. 

An individual soul suffers due to being forgetful of it’s TRUE identity and nature. The end of a life should be understood as the beginning of a new journey. Only then can one overcome the grief. 

“With A heart full of love

And a mind full of sweet memories

Wish them well, as they begin their new journey

Let go! Set them free.....”

 Written by- Sarawathi M V

Mentor : Prof. Mrs Shalini Pujari

 

The Guiding Light

 

THE GUIDING LIGHT

The uncertainties of life often leave us feeling bewildered. During such times, we lose clarity of mind and find it difficult to do what is right in the given situation. Considering ourselves to be the masters of our destiny we take our own decisions and seldom rely on people. It is only in a state of either moral dilemma or indecisiveness, that we seek advice from our near and dear ones. 

In this context, it is wise to recall the famous proverb in Hindi, “ सबकी सुनो अपनी करो” – Take advice from everyone but  listen to your inner voice. People give advice based on their experiences and perspective of life. Their opinions may be correct for them but not right for us. Hence it is best that we listen to our own conscience. However, the complexities of life are such that they hinder our ability to think clearly. The question then arises, what should one do in such a situation? The perfect solution is Prayer and unwavering Faith in the Divine.

 LIFE LESSON 

When life seems out of control and we are unable to decide what is best for us, then we must surrender completely to divine cosmic power. GOD-The supreme spiritual master knows what is right for us and will provide clarity of thought, so that we do what is needed and get what we deserve at the right time. 

At the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna could not understand the reason for his mental confusion, although he knew that his duty to fight was awaiting him. He offers himself to the Supreme Spiritual Master- Bhagwan Shri Krishna as a disciple and requests him to give a definite solution. 

 

Bg. 2.7

कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः

पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः ।

यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्‍चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे

शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ॥ ७ ॥

kārpaṇya-doṣopahata-svabhāvaḥ

pṛcchāmi tvāṁ dharma-sammūḍha-cetāḥ

yac chreyaḥ syān niścitaṁ brūhi tan me

śiṣyas te ’haṁ śādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam

Translation

Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.

Written by _ Saraswathi M V

Mentor credits: Mrs Shalini Pujari 

Ref: The Bhagwad Gita

Overcoming Failures

 

OVERCOMING FAILURES

A magnificent tree at the park succumbed to the wrath of Nature – heavy rains! Despite having strong roots , it could not sustain its boughs. The severed branches had to be chopped off and what survived was the huge trunk of the tree standing tall despite - the destruction. Walkers, joggers and other passers by looked at the tree with compassion. They felt sorry for the state it had been. “How beautiful! it was and look at its state  now! “ they exclaimed. 

A few days had passed by and soon new life began to grow on the tree . Tiny branches emerged on the trunk. It was heartening to see new life, a new beginning! Everybody watched in astonishment, as they had assumed that the tree would just remain an artefact in the Park. They also admired the new beauty and applauded nature for its ability to re-bounce from destruction. 

LIFE LESSON

Many times in life, no matter how strong we are and how sincerely we adopt the values we have been raised with: we all go through dark moments. Moments which will crush us, break us, those which question our existence and beliefs. One may feel helpless, may not find solutions to emerge from the situation, receive backlash or judgment that the mess we are in is our responsibility or a consequence of our actions. But one forgets that the difficulties in life occur to help us evolve as individuals, to strengthen our belief in ourselves, to redirect us to the right path. Tough times also show us the true nature of people around us. Who wishes well and who is happy to see us in hell -True faces unmasked!

Adversities are part of life and humankind needs to rise and shine like the phoenix, come what may! Learning to survive amidst difficulties and difficult people is the biggest challenge of life- tolerance and patience being the key! The purpose of life is to live it well and not be bogged down by circumstances. Tough times do not last but tough people do! The simplest way to remain calm amidst crisis is being thankful for all that life has given us- the Good as well as the Bad. Every experience is meant to mould us into the person we are meant to be.

Bhagwan Shri Krishna says  the following to Arjuna :-

Bg. 2.14

मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः ।

आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ॥ १४ ॥

mātrā-sparśās tu kaunteya

śītoṣṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ

āgamāpāyino ’nityās

tāṁs titikṣasva bhārata

Translation

O son of Kuntī, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.

_Written by Saraswathi M V

Krishnakshara (celebrating the eternal bond)

Kshara sat beside Krishna admiring the magnificent manifestation of the supreme personality of Godhead. Her eyes sparkled in awe of the breath-taking view of the entire cosmos. “Its magical!” she exclaimed. Krishna was quiet, unperturbed by the magnificence. “Don’t you feel like being amidst all the splendour, you have created? You stay aloof, far away from the magical lands.” she said. Krishna smiled at her innocent query and said “ I am a part of it and yet I’m not. I’m always there but I don’t have to be there all the time.” Kshara didn't understand, “I am very eager to go and explore the magical lands, especially the special place called Earth. Life there I’ve heard is pretty exciting and a great learning experience too” she said. “As you wish!” said Krishna, “but remember it will be a long journey, you will have to live according to the laws of the material nature. There will be happiness and pain, loss and gain, love and hatred, it’s a world of dualities my dear. You have to bear them all with equanimity.” he explained. “ Why do I need to worry when You are there” said Kshara. “ I will seek guidance from you when needed". She added. 

In Krishna’s world every soul was entitled to ‘free will’. It was his way of expressing love for them. Their happiness was his priority, so he let them be, as they wished to be. Kshara, driven by desire began her journey into the magical lands. “Be careful my dear!” warned beloved Krishna “ As Maya takes charge from here. Never forget my name, that’s the only way to connect with each other again.” Kshara promised to keep her word and delved into the magical world.

She wished to be among the flowers as a butterfly, then as a bird soaring in the sky. Krishna fulfilled her every wish. After taking different forms and different births, she finally got the privilege to live the human life, it was her most awaited designation. It felt great to be a human, proud to have many abilities, a beautiful form and a  strong mind with the power of imagination. There was so much to explore one lifetime did not seem enough. She  wished for many such lifetimes to fulfill her dreams and all that she desired for. Her needs and wants knew no bounds. She craved for knowledge, power, wealth,  beauty, perfect spouse, a happy family, prosperity, success and an heir to inherit her legacy. The list never seemed to end. Alas! Blinded by ignorance, she forgot her eternal friend. Whenever there was pain, loss or suffering she would blame Krishna considering him to be the reason for her miseries. Krishna watched from above unperturbed by the condition of his love, for it was the path she had chosen. 

Thus Kshara was entangled in the cycle of birth and death. There was no escape, it was due to her desires that she was entrapped. Happiness seemed momentary and sorrows endless. Her will power began to crumble, her spirit crushed by the troubles. She cried, totally agonised, each time she was approached by death. It was her 'deeds' good and bad and her 'unfulfilled desires' that determined the next life, her next step. Soon, she lost belief in her beloved, when certain people claimed that the Supreme did not exist, she believed in whatever they said. 

There came a day when she was so overcome by grief, she questioned the purpose of existence,  and asked one and all about the meaning of life. Everything seemed worthless, even the beautiful world she once aspired to live in. She was now detached from all the material wealth, relationships, goals and the need to excel. Nothing in this world is permanent, what is there today is gone tomorrow.  As this realisation, dawned upon her, she learnt to move beyond ‘me and mine’ the cause of human sorrow. 

The clutches of Maya were so strong that she felt anxious, aimless, could not reach out to her beloved and re- establish their severed bond. But Krishna was kind enough, he knew what had to be done. He sent few noble souls to show her the way back home. A devotee is what the world called them. They dedicated their life to pure devotion. They spent their precious time to enlighten the fallen souls, to free them from the clutches of material nature and help them rise above the miseries of the world. 

They taught her to dwell upon the holy name, spoke of his glories and his all pervasiveness. “He resides in your heart and also in every particle of this universe” they said. They told her how important it is to follow the Sanatana dharma, to connect with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. They called this Krishna Consciousness. Under the Guidance of A Bonafide spiritual master, Kshara learnt to include Krishna in everything, making him an integral part of her being. Shravanam, kirtanam, vishnu. smaranam, archanam, vandanam, pada-sevanam, dasyam, sakhyam, atma-nivedanam- the Nava Bhakti or theNine types of devotional service, she heard were practised by all devotees to attain the Supreme. She practised along with them, thus began her penance. Chanting his holy name was the simplest form of purification. She chanted as many times, as many number of days and nights she spent in this material world, as many number of births that she had acquired, as many number of  breaths she had taken in her many lifetimes, as many number of needs and wants she had wished to fulfill in her all life , as many number of desires and thoughts that had crossed her mind. 

Day by day her faith in him strengthened and the clutches of Maya weakened. She now included him in all her thoughts, the all pervasive  Krishna’s presence awakened in her heart. The once severed bond was revived again. As she meditated upon him in happiness and pain. She accepted everything that came her way, as a blessing for the betterment of self. She spoke of his pastimes, sang hymns in his praise and to the entire world preached about his greatness and opulence. Then came a day when the time had come for Kshara to re-unite with her loved one. While she meditated upon him in pure consciousness, discarding her material body she rose in the form of a spiritual spark and merged into the effulgence of the Akshara; the Supreme Personality of Godhead for eternity in  the highest spiritual realm.

tesam satata-yuktanam

bhajatam priti-purvakam

dadami buddhi-yogam tam

yena mam upayanti te

TRANSLATION

To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me 

Bhagwad Gita 10.10