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