Today is Akshay Tritiya, so here is a short thread on the importance of this day.
1. Akshay literally means that which is not broken. It is a very auspicious day to do any "shubh karya" or good work so if anyone wants to propose to someone or get married, today is the day. Only this will be a different kind of an event which will have to be long distance or in the virtual realm.
2. This day is believed to mark the beginning of Sat yug and Treta Yug. The river Ganga is believed to have descended on earth from the heavens on this day. This day is also the birth day of Parshuram, sixth avatar of Vishnu, the brahman warrior who destroyed the Kshatriyas.This day also marks the creation of Hayagreev, a form of Vishnu with a horse head.
3. Ved Vyas began the recitation of Bhagvad Puran to Lord Ganesh on this auspicious day. Also, the yudhh of Kurukshetra in Mahabharat ended on this day.
4. It is the day when Lakshmi ji blessed Kuber with unlimited wealth. The famed "Akshay Patra" was given to Pandavas in Vanvas by Suryadev himself on this day. Also, Sudama got huge wealth from Krishna in return for a pouch of Poha on this day. This day is also believed to be the day when Lord Krishna provided Draupadi with unending saree upon her "Cheer Haran" by Dushasan.
Hence the importance of giving and donation on Akshay Tritiya.
5. The doors of Kedarnath and Badrinath open for darshan after the winter closures on Akshay Tritiya.
Shree Vallabhacharya Maha Prabhu established the Giriraj Dharan Mandir and of the the Vaishnav Panth.
The making of the Rath for the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri is begun on this day.
Saturday, 25 April 2020
Monday, 25 May 2015
Commitment Seminar
Pathway to Adventure :
Followed by the Landmark Forum, we were to attend 10 sessions of Commitment Seminar. The purpose of the seminar was to train ourselves to identify our real commitments; separate them our from the hidden commitments which dictate our lives and be true and committed in whatever we undertook as a matter of being as our word.
Each commitment that we make begins as an adventure. Somewhere down the line and depending how important it is; the commitment begins to become a burden. This happens as we realise that we take on commitments without considering the full implications with regards to the time, effort, sacrifices and a host of previous obligations to ourselves and others that we are already committed to.
At some point in time, we are either disenchanted by the commitment itself; or towards our own self for not being able to adhere to those commitments.
Also, there are a host of other hidden and undeclared commitments which "interfere with our real" commitments.
This can be illustrated by various examples the the participants share both at the Seminar and amongst the teams of 5 to 6 that were formed for the process. Sharing is an important technique that strengthens the thought process and gives a concrete shape to the things we say we are committed to.
The participants are asked to form one commitment which they strive to fulfil during the course of the 10 session lasting over about 3 months period.
From what I could gather from the participants' sharing, the commitments ranged from losing weight to growth at career to improvement in personal relationships with siblings.
I was particularly surprised to see that many of the participants had strained relationships with their siblings and their commitment was to normalise this and make it more loving.
Though the program leaders at Landmark have throughout coached participants to take responsibility for their actions and not blame the other for any of the issues relating to the deteriorated relationships, in reality it is very difficult to accept this responsibility fully and unilaterally set about to mend the damage done over many years through either faulty communication or total lack of it.
Nevertheless, a commitment is a commitment. We set about this task feeling inspired by the motto of the Seminar-to be able to experience the feeling of being more enlivened and fulfilled. It is almost as if you are inventing a future for yourself which you would be proud of.
Hidden & Undeclared Commitments :
At the Seminar, we are introduced to the notion that we’re not actually committed to the things say we’re committed to and that we are instead devoted to all kinds of “hidden and undeclared commitments.” Commitments like wanting to do things our own way, to being mediocre, to proving that we’re not good enough. Underneath those commitments are even more cynical commitments, in what seems like a never-ending circle. It’s an onion, peeled layer by layer, that has no core. The participants are required to uncover these cynical commitments and share them with a partner. Are they really committed to proving their not good enough? Or are their simply obstacles (insecurities, a lack of faith in ones self, the previous experience of failure) which inhibit the commitments we were intending to keep?
What exactly are the hidden commitments? Anything which stops you from achieving what you truly want to can be termed as a hidden commitment. The most glaring hidden commitment is being resigned or cynical towards creating a new future for yourself. Once this barrier is overcome, you can envision almost anything as a possibility for yourself. Don't sell out to cynicism and resignation. Invest in a possibility.
As an assignment, we were asked to list out the hidden commitments and I discovered a lot about myself through thought and discussion with my team members. Sharing one's thought has a unique way of presenting an aspect which is hitherto unknown to us. This is the USP of Landmark.
Another gain from sharing (enrolling as it is called at Landmark) is that you become more committed when you put your thoughts in words in front of someone. You reiterate your commitment each time you share it with someone.
Character in a Soap Opera : My Story.
One of my posts in this blog, My Story, is an assignment which we did to discover the character I am acting out in my life. Basically, we keep playing a character throughout our life. This character dictates and determines the actions we take in certain situations and anything outside the purview of this character is rejected outright as something impossible. This obstacle to our commitment to the possibility that we have invented has to be removed by identifying and consciously negating its influence at every juncture.
Commitments and Expectations:
Expectations when not fulfilled cause hurt and a feeling of failure. This is a big obstacle to fulfilling commitments. We need to separate out expectations from our commitments. Rather, unfulfilled expectations should not have any impact on how we deal with our long term commitments.
The new possibility for a brand new future can be arrived at by creating a different story and playing our a character that suits the new story. The commitment made by the character becomes you. Just by making sure the distinctions of Integrity and Authenticity are adhered to, you can bring about a transformation you aspire for. The process continues to be sharing and enrolling others in your story and your commitments.
Practice honouring your word. Be your word. Keep your word.
What is the driving force behind our resignation or unwillingness to set higher goals? Change your perspective. Breakthroughs can be arrived at by enrolling, sharing views, discussion and dialogue.
There are areas of life where you are strong and others which are your weaknesses. Identify your strong suits and weaknesses and declare independence from your hidden commitments.
Great men are known not for their commitments, but by their commitments. The possibility to transform not just your life, but of others. Invent such a future for yourself. Anything is possible.
Sunday, 24 May 2015
Landmark Forum
Many of our problems stem from inadequate knowledge. In spite of being right in our faces or easily available, we are not open to receiving knowledge or learning. Our knowledge about how open or closed we are to receiving knowledge is the most important knowledge. Self knowledge changes the way we act and think and leads us to wisdom.
Self knowledge involves identifying what we know and what we do not know. This can be done by an individual. But in the realms of possibilities, there are many things we do not know that we do not know.
This knowledge can not be arrived at by an individual on his own. For that he needs to have a dialogue, because alone we can not see what we can not see. It takes a Guru, a coach, a mentor, a therapist or a confidante to guide us through the the process of recognition of our many layers of ignorance and their subsequent acknowledgement.
Knowledge of Self requires guidance.
Philosophy as the practical art of uncovering and expanding self-knowledge. At the Landmark Forum, this is done by trained leaders; and the method is predominantly by sharing past experiences and by self expression of innermost feelings and experiences with complete strangers.
To describe the philosophy underlying the Landmark Forum, we first note that the actual language used in the dialogue reflects a distinctive paradigm. Words that are repeatedly used are common, but with meaning that encompasses a much larger spectrum. Ordinary words are used rigorously and repeatedly to give them extra ordinary meanings. These are called distinctions which propel the process of inquiry. These “distinctions” of the Forum, include but are not limited to: possibility, story/interpretation, authenticity-inauthenticity, empty and meaningless, transformation, language and being, integrity, and even the word distinction itself. Each is explained in context. As these distinctions are discussed in the Forum' the purpose is not just to understand them, but the emphasis is on living by these distinctions.
Possibility is not used in the ordinary sense; it does not refer to something that could or might happen. Rather, it is used in a way as a clearing for a new way of being. Possibility is both defined and distinguished as a phenomenon occurring now in present time, not in the future. When possibility is present, experience, expectations, and perspective open or are freed up. The distinction possibility is integral to literally everything that happens in the Forum. For example, genesis of a new realm of possibilities, as in that of being something that we are not or think that we are not. This is distinction of "Transformation". The distinction of transformation could be in terms of perception of oneself or the perception of a relationship.
For the genesis of a new realm of being, we have to let go of the identity that we are or think we are. Generally, who we actually are is a different being than we think we are. The latter is a "character" we like to play in our "story". We build stories around our character and this character takes over our identity.
Yet beyond the “me” that exists as a character in my story, there is a me, the author or source of the story. The Forum suggests that we as the teller or the maker of the story is distinct from the character in the story. We are not our story, we are not our feelings.
We can now see beyond the dramatic narratives with which we, without awareness, formerly identified. We realise and know something we did not know that we did not know. When we are able to distinguish what our story is, an obstacle to self knowledge is removed. This shift in perspective happens when Forum participants consider the hold their stories have on them and focus specifically on the difference between “what happened” in their lives and their interpretation of “what happened.”
We learn that some interpretations work better than others. Meanings that are laced with righteousness, resentment and resignation; regardless of supporting evidence; can often be counter productive. They pull one out of living in the present. They attribute causality to others and to external situations. They limit freedom, squelch aliveness, and constrain social interactions. In Forum terms, there is no possibility.
When “stories” rule the day, there is little freedom for anything else. Moreover, humans enrich their stories with significance and become attached to them. That attachment keeps us small, defended, and protective. We humans are “meaning making machines.” This is dramatically demonstrated in the Forum as participants chime in with fresh realizations from their own lives.
Authenticity :
In the Forum “being true to myself” entails to a possibility free from undistinguished stories with which I have unwittingly identified. To develop such authenticity, Forum participants are asked to look closely at its opposite. They are invited to acknowledge their own inauthenticities. They begin sharing stories about how they remain silent when one should speak up, send holiday cards to people one dislikes, making insincere compliments. We discover that “looking good” drives inauthentic actions. This exercise is the playful beginning of examining inauthenticity in core relationships and in one's work. Soon revelations of inauthenticities get more serious.
Sharing such inauthenticities in a large group makes one realise that the distinction of inauthenticity is not uncommon at all. There is no need to be secretive about our inauthenticities any more. In fact, it is quite contagious to be either authentic or inauthentic. Imagine a world where everybody was authentic! This realisation frees us from our self imposed limitations. Pretense and dishonesty are one form of inauthenticity. A second is not distinguishing story, identifying with one’s taken-for-granted drama as described above. Once aware of inauthenticities, Forum participants acknowledge them to the persons with whom or toward whom they have been inauthentic. Acknowledging in this context means taking full responsibility for their actions and being prepared for the consequences. This is the most difficult part of the Forum and I doubt everyone does acknowledge all of their inauthenticities.
Forum participants understand and realize that their stories occurred in the past. This clears the burden of failed relationships or misunderstandings or distances created with self or close relatives. The impact of the stories they created is totally unconstructive and totally irrelevant to their present or future . This creates a possibility of generating a future where they could live more fully. Thus completing the past or being at peace with the past is an integral part of generating a new realm of possibilities.
Already Always Listening :
As mentioned earlier, we humans have a habit of attaching meaning which serve to justify our lives and thoughts. A set way of being is called already always listening. Without actually focussing on what is being said or done in a given situation, we make our own assumptions regarding the situation. This could be in our attitude towards a particular person which can be broadly termed as a prejudice. We carry the baggage of past experience or our story regarding a past experience to make judgements towards the current situation. This blurs our perception and creates a obstacles in communication.
Integrity and Responsibility :
The participants of the Forum are asked to list out what they would like to achieve from the Landmark Forum when they sign up. To be able to achieve the intended transformation in one's life, one needs to bring about the practical changes which are considered difficult; if not unreachable. The range of goals varies from being a good parent, improving personal or marital relationships, success at work or financial gain.
There remains a fundamental distinction that allows declarations to be effective rather than limp and wishful. The course leader distinguishes integrity, which is defined as “honoring one’s word as oneself.” By understanding a declaration to be my creation, declaring becomes linked to my very existence. In addition it becomes clear that declarations carry weight only to the extent that I stand for and behind them, as answerable both for carrying them out and confronting the consequences. Integrity and responsibility feed on one another.
Emphasis is to respond rather than react in a given situation, For this, we must be completely open and receptive to everything around us, down to its finest nuances and details. To react, on the other hand, is to be at the mercy of old stories. We respond in so far as we transcend such stories in order to be available, first, to what is there, and second, to what is possible.
“Responsibility,” according to The Charter of The Landmark Education Corporation, “begins with the willingness to be cause in the matter of one’s life. Ultimately, it is a context from which one chooses to live.”
Self knowledge involves identifying what we know and what we do not know. This can be done by an individual. But in the realms of possibilities, there are many things we do not know that we do not know.
This knowledge can not be arrived at by an individual on his own. For that he needs to have a dialogue, because alone we can not see what we can not see. It takes a Guru, a coach, a mentor, a therapist or a confidante to guide us through the the process of recognition of our many layers of ignorance and their subsequent acknowledgement.
Knowledge of Self requires guidance.
Philosophy as the practical art of uncovering and expanding self-knowledge. At the Landmark Forum, this is done by trained leaders; and the method is predominantly by sharing past experiences and by self expression of innermost feelings and experiences with complete strangers.
To describe the philosophy underlying the Landmark Forum, we first note that the actual language used in the dialogue reflects a distinctive paradigm. Words that are repeatedly used are common, but with meaning that encompasses a much larger spectrum. Ordinary words are used rigorously and repeatedly to give them extra ordinary meanings. These are called distinctions which propel the process of inquiry. These “distinctions” of the Forum, include but are not limited to: possibility, story/interpretation, authenticity-inauthenticity, empty and meaningless, transformation, language and being, integrity, and even the word distinction itself. Each is explained in context. As these distinctions are discussed in the Forum' the purpose is not just to understand them, but the emphasis is on living by these distinctions.
Possibility is not used in the ordinary sense; it does not refer to something that could or might happen. Rather, it is used in a way as a clearing for a new way of being. Possibility is both defined and distinguished as a phenomenon occurring now in present time, not in the future. When possibility is present, experience, expectations, and perspective open or are freed up. The distinction possibility is integral to literally everything that happens in the Forum. For example, genesis of a new realm of possibilities, as in that of being something that we are not or think that we are not. This is distinction of "Transformation". The distinction of transformation could be in terms of perception of oneself or the perception of a relationship.
For the genesis of a new realm of being, we have to let go of the identity that we are or think we are. Generally, who we actually are is a different being than we think we are. The latter is a "character" we like to play in our "story". We build stories around our character and this character takes over our identity.
Yet beyond the “me” that exists as a character in my story, there is a me, the author or source of the story. The Forum suggests that we as the teller or the maker of the story is distinct from the character in the story. We are not our story, we are not our feelings.
We can now see beyond the dramatic narratives with which we, without awareness, formerly identified. We realise and know something we did not know that we did not know. When we are able to distinguish what our story is, an obstacle to self knowledge is removed. This shift in perspective happens when Forum participants consider the hold their stories have on them and focus specifically on the difference between “what happened” in their lives and their interpretation of “what happened.”
We learn that some interpretations work better than others. Meanings that are laced with righteousness, resentment and resignation; regardless of supporting evidence; can often be counter productive. They pull one out of living in the present. They attribute causality to others and to external situations. They limit freedom, squelch aliveness, and constrain social interactions. In Forum terms, there is no possibility.
When “stories” rule the day, there is little freedom for anything else. Moreover, humans enrich their stories with significance and become attached to them. That attachment keeps us small, defended, and protective. We humans are “meaning making machines.” This is dramatically demonstrated in the Forum as participants chime in with fresh realizations from their own lives.
Authenticity :
In the Forum “being true to myself” entails to a possibility free from undistinguished stories with which I have unwittingly identified. To develop such authenticity, Forum participants are asked to look closely at its opposite. They are invited to acknowledge their own inauthenticities. They begin sharing stories about how they remain silent when one should speak up, send holiday cards to people one dislikes, making insincere compliments. We discover that “looking good” drives inauthentic actions. This exercise is the playful beginning of examining inauthenticity in core relationships and in one's work. Soon revelations of inauthenticities get more serious.
Sharing such inauthenticities in a large group makes one realise that the distinction of inauthenticity is not uncommon at all. There is no need to be secretive about our inauthenticities any more. In fact, it is quite contagious to be either authentic or inauthentic. Imagine a world where everybody was authentic! This realisation frees us from our self imposed limitations. Pretense and dishonesty are one form of inauthenticity. A second is not distinguishing story, identifying with one’s taken-for-granted drama as described above. Once aware of inauthenticities, Forum participants acknowledge them to the persons with whom or toward whom they have been inauthentic. Acknowledging in this context means taking full responsibility for their actions and being prepared for the consequences. This is the most difficult part of the Forum and I doubt everyone does acknowledge all of their inauthenticities.
Forum participants understand and realize that their stories occurred in the past. This clears the burden of failed relationships or misunderstandings or distances created with self or close relatives. The impact of the stories they created is totally unconstructive and totally irrelevant to their present or future . This creates a possibility of generating a future where they could live more fully. Thus completing the past or being at peace with the past is an integral part of generating a new realm of possibilities.
Already Always Listening :
As mentioned earlier, we humans have a habit of attaching meaning which serve to justify our lives and thoughts. A set way of being is called already always listening. Without actually focussing on what is being said or done in a given situation, we make our own assumptions regarding the situation. This could be in our attitude towards a particular person which can be broadly termed as a prejudice. We carry the baggage of past experience or our story regarding a past experience to make judgements towards the current situation. This blurs our perception and creates a obstacles in communication.
Integrity and Responsibility :
The participants of the Forum are asked to list out what they would like to achieve from the Landmark Forum when they sign up. To be able to achieve the intended transformation in one's life, one needs to bring about the practical changes which are considered difficult; if not unreachable. The range of goals varies from being a good parent, improving personal or marital relationships, success at work or financial gain.
There remains a fundamental distinction that allows declarations to be effective rather than limp and wishful. The course leader distinguishes integrity, which is defined as “honoring one’s word as oneself.” By understanding a declaration to be my creation, declaring becomes linked to my very existence. In addition it becomes clear that declarations carry weight only to the extent that I stand for and behind them, as answerable both for carrying them out and confronting the consequences. Integrity and responsibility feed on one another.
Emphasis is to respond rather than react in a given situation, For this, we must be completely open and receptive to everything around us, down to its finest nuances and details. To react, on the other hand, is to be at the mercy of old stories. We respond in so far as we transcend such stories in order to be available, first, to what is there, and second, to what is possible.
“Responsibility,” according to The Charter of The Landmark Education Corporation, “begins with the willingness to be cause in the matter of one’s life. Ultimately, it is a context from which one chooses to live.”
Saturday, 23 May 2015
Landmark Distinctions - Rackets
In this post, I am trying to reproduce whatever I absorbed from my participation in the Landmark forum and subsequent sessions of the Commitment Seminar.
Our lives revolve around many people. When we interact with people, there is a give and take of some energy; could be positive or negative. This is usually done via comments, expressions, attitudes, and sometimes silence. Often in very close relationships, we tend to criticize people more often than we praise them. In fact; in some instances the criticism is ongoing.. continuously for each and every act or comment. Sometimes we hold a particular person responsible for our failures or lack of happiness and satisfaction in our lives. This criticism or constant blame game can be termed as rackets. This kind of an attitude is called running a racket on a particular person. It could be one of your parents, your child, your sibling, your husband/wife or your partner. In some cases even a colleague.
4. Win/Lose :
Winning is always a matter of life and death for some people. Such people can never believe they lost a battle, or a war of words. The need to win makes them demoralise and demotivate others around them. These rackets can be identified in families where the oldest man of the house generally insults and subjugates those younger than him.
What are the costs of these rackets? What do we lose?
1. Love & Affinity : Is it possible to sustain a loving relationship with the person who runs these rackets on you? How would it be possible to expect the person whom you are constantly trying to justify yourself to, prove yourself right to, dominate or win; to be able to love you?
The result is that person may try and avoid being close to you, if not physically then certainly emotionally.
2. Vitality & Well being. We tend to feel bad about ourself after we say hurtful things to others. We feel good when we make others feel good.
3. Self Expression. We can not express our innermost thoughts as these are in conflict with our current point of views. We tend to make a judgement and then stick by it resulting in inability to express our doubts and fears or a contrarian view. Or if we do agree on something with the person whom we are running a racket on; we oppose for the sake of opposing.
4. Satisfaction/Fulfilment. The running of rackets is a constant phenomenon. If we were to be satisfied with passing a comment, or criticising a particular aspect; we would stop and the racket would end there. Obviously, we never experience the feeling of satisfaction or fulfilment by running a racket.
Identifying our rackets is the first step towards their elimination. Try and think with every interaction with your loved ones whether this is your racket or are you saying what you are meaning? Be rational in relationships; especially the close ones.
This kind of a racket or multiple rackets take over your life. What do you gain from running such rackets on the people that are important to you? These are termed as payoffs.. these payoffs tend to become a habit.
Payoffs :
1. To prove ourself right and the other person wrong.
It is not always that the other person is wrong and we can not be right always. But we tend to believe that that is such a case. WE are always right and THEY are always wrong. We constantly try to prove this to ourselves and others.
2. To dominate/avoid domination :
We tend to dominate others by running rackets on them. To constantly be able to dictate to them or to avoid their domination. They could be in a position to dominate us, by virtue of being older , senior, more intelligent or just more capable. The only way to avoid their domination is by constantly negating their positives and proving they are not what they are.
3. Justify Ourselves/Invalidate others :
We could hold an opinion or a point of view which we have expressed and now we are bound by this opinion. We can't change our opinion without looking foolish; can we? So we constantly justify ourselves and invalidate others.
Payoffs :
1. To prove ourself right and the other person wrong.
It is not always that the other person is wrong and we can not be right always. But we tend to believe that that is such a case. WE are always right and THEY are always wrong. We constantly try to prove this to ourselves and others.
2. To dominate/avoid domination :
We tend to dominate others by running rackets on them. To constantly be able to dictate to them or to avoid their domination. They could be in a position to dominate us, by virtue of being older , senior, more intelligent or just more capable. The only way to avoid their domination is by constantly negating their positives and proving they are not what they are.
3. Justify Ourselves/Invalidate others :
We could hold an opinion or a point of view which we have expressed and now we are bound by this opinion. We can't change our opinion without looking foolish; can we? So we constantly justify ourselves and invalidate others.
4. Win/Lose :
Winning is always a matter of life and death for some people. Such people can never believe they lost a battle, or a war of words. The need to win makes them demoralise and demotivate others around them. These rackets can be identified in families where the oldest man of the house generally insults and subjugates those younger than him.
What are the costs of these rackets? What do we lose?
1. Love & Affinity : Is it possible to sustain a loving relationship with the person who runs these rackets on you? How would it be possible to expect the person whom you are constantly trying to justify yourself to, prove yourself right to, dominate or win; to be able to love you?
The result is that person may try and avoid being close to you, if not physically then certainly emotionally.
2. Vitality & Well being. We tend to feel bad about ourself after we say hurtful things to others. We feel good when we make others feel good.
3. Self Expression. We can not express our innermost thoughts as these are in conflict with our current point of views. We tend to make a judgement and then stick by it resulting in inability to express our doubts and fears or a contrarian view. Or if we do agree on something with the person whom we are running a racket on; we oppose for the sake of opposing.
4. Satisfaction/Fulfilment. The running of rackets is a constant phenomenon. If we were to be satisfied with passing a comment, or criticising a particular aspect; we would stop and the racket would end there. Obviously, we never experience the feeling of satisfaction or fulfilment by running a racket.
Identifying our rackets is the first step towards their elimination. Try and think with every interaction with your loved ones whether this is your racket or are you saying what you are meaning? Be rational in relationships; especially the close ones.
Saturday, 16 May 2015
Swadhyay - 6 - Types of Karma
The purpose of life is to be fulfilling, enriching the lives of others. The measure of success is variable for each person. Even a beggar securing a place at; say the footsteps of Babulnath Temple; can be termed as a successful person since he is comparatively more successful among the beggars; but nonetheless; he is after all; a beggar.
How do you then rate success?
A success which has humility and faith is long lasting.
Those who do not have faith will falter, no matter whether they are successful or not.
Karma - is ongoing. We are constantly gathering or doing karma. Either we are wasting time doing nothing; which is again some kind of karma, or we are thinking of good thoughts and arriving at solutions to complex problems, or doing the daily chores.. all amounts to karma.
Whatever the karma, we have to face consequences of our karma. Having great thoughts alone is not enough. Thoughts have to be followed by actions. We give alms to the poor, but it does not amount to sat karma if we do it with the intent of acrrueing sat karma or gaining good karma. Selfless service without the intent of gaining anything, even "Punya" is the only way to do good karma.
The karma done with the intent of earning wealth is not deplorable; but it certainly is not "shreshtha" karma.
Types of Karma : Vikaasartha Karma - The kind of work that brings in progress.. larger house, car, luxuries -
Punyaarth Karma - The kind of work that brings punya.. not for oneself but for others, It is this kind of work that gets credited into our account as sat karma. Selfless work.
Vyakti se samaaaj banta hai aur samaaj se vyakti tikta hai. Who then is more important?
Society is made up of individuals and individuals need society for support. In the Indian context, both are equally important. There is a constant give and take between the individual and the society.
In the context of evolution, society is more relevant. People just come and go.
Happiness - can be of various types : Emotional, sensual, intellectual and eternal.
Parivaar - Family - Importance of family - everybody works for everyone. Husband earns for the family, wife cooks for the family, son tries to bring fame to the family, daughter serves another family. No individual existence. Western modern philosophy of individuality. So called individual progress at the cost of progress of family and as a result, at the cost of progress of the society.
Collective progress - Inclusive growth.
How do you then rate success?
A success which has humility and faith is long lasting.
Those who do not have faith will falter, no matter whether they are successful or not.
Karma - is ongoing. We are constantly gathering or doing karma. Either we are wasting time doing nothing; which is again some kind of karma, or we are thinking of good thoughts and arriving at solutions to complex problems, or doing the daily chores.. all amounts to karma.
Whatever the karma, we have to face consequences of our karma. Having great thoughts alone is not enough. Thoughts have to be followed by actions. We give alms to the poor, but it does not amount to sat karma if we do it with the intent of acrrueing sat karma or gaining good karma. Selfless service without the intent of gaining anything, even "Punya" is the only way to do good karma.
The karma done with the intent of earning wealth is not deplorable; but it certainly is not "shreshtha" karma.
Types of Karma : Vikaasartha Karma - The kind of work that brings in progress.. larger house, car, luxuries -
Punyaarth Karma - The kind of work that brings punya.. not for oneself but for others, It is this kind of work that gets credited into our account as sat karma. Selfless work.
Vyakti se samaaaj banta hai aur samaaj se vyakti tikta hai. Who then is more important?
Society is made up of individuals and individuals need society for support. In the Indian context, both are equally important. There is a constant give and take between the individual and the society.
In the context of evolution, society is more relevant. People just come and go.
Happiness - can be of various types : Emotional, sensual, intellectual and eternal.
Parivaar - Family - Importance of family - everybody works for everyone. Husband earns for the family, wife cooks for the family, son tries to bring fame to the family, daughter serves another family. No individual existence. Western modern philosophy of individuality. So called individual progress at the cost of progress of family and as a result, at the cost of progress of the society.
Collective progress - Inclusive growth.
Swadhyay - 5 - Relevance of the word Purushottam
Purushottam - meaning Uttam Purush - Best Man
What are the qualities of man who is the best among men?
1. Wealth is essential. But this wealth should be earned or amassed with the intent of doing good work. The wealth should be without ego or pride attached with it.
The wealth should be readily used when needed and especially doing the work of God; that is being of use when needed for the poor and needy or for a good cause.
2. Strength : Strength of the body and mind are essential to do any work. More so when you are doing for the society as there will be many obstructions.
Strength of the body or physical strength is of utmost importance; hence the importance of yoga and fitness in our culture. It is pathetic when the mind and intent is to do work but the body is not co-operating.
3. Sad Vichar - Good thoughts, well meaning, purposeful, thoughts with good intent.
4. Courage - Veer bhogya vasundhara.. The brave shall reap the earth.
The Uttam Purush has to overcome the challenges of his adversaries which is not possible without valour.
5. Uttam vaani. Communication skills. It is said that Shabdon mein vazan nahin hota.. jo bolta hai usse shabdon mein vazan aata hai..
Words carry the weight of the speaker.
6. Company. Choose your company wisely. Arjuna chose Krishna over his army. This resulted in his victory.
7. Strength of the organisation. Sanghatan mein bal hai.
To achieve your goals you need the following kinds of strengths :
1. Financial
2. Physical
3.Organisational
4. Psychological
5. Will Power.
You can not control your circumstances, but you can train yourself to control or respond positively to any circumstances.
Lakshya : Goal : Setting of a goal makes one gain strength automatically; specially so if this goal is related to serving humanity; as it is the work of God. You get divine energy.
Life is a battle; fight it.
What are the qualities of man who is the best among men?
1. Wealth is essential. But this wealth should be earned or amassed with the intent of doing good work. The wealth should be without ego or pride attached with it.
The wealth should be readily used when needed and especially doing the work of God; that is being of use when needed for the poor and needy or for a good cause.
2. Strength : Strength of the body and mind are essential to do any work. More so when you are doing for the society as there will be many obstructions.
Strength of the body or physical strength is of utmost importance; hence the importance of yoga and fitness in our culture. It is pathetic when the mind and intent is to do work but the body is not co-operating.
3. Sad Vichar - Good thoughts, well meaning, purposeful, thoughts with good intent.
4. Courage - Veer bhogya vasundhara.. The brave shall reap the earth.
The Uttam Purush has to overcome the challenges of his adversaries which is not possible without valour.
5. Uttam vaani. Communication skills. It is said that Shabdon mein vazan nahin hota.. jo bolta hai usse shabdon mein vazan aata hai..
Words carry the weight of the speaker.
6. Company. Choose your company wisely. Arjuna chose Krishna over his army. This resulted in his victory.
7. Strength of the organisation. Sanghatan mein bal hai.
To achieve your goals you need the following kinds of strengths :
1. Financial
2. Physical
3.Organisational
4. Psychological
5. Will Power.
You can not control your circumstances, but you can train yourself to control or respond positively to any circumstances.
Lakshya : Goal : Setting of a goal makes one gain strength automatically; specially so if this goal is related to serving humanity; as it is the work of God. You get divine energy.
Life is a battle; fight it.
Sunday, 19 April 2015
Swadhyay - 3 Qualities of Brahmacharis.
Those who strive for inner beauty or the beauty of the "рдорди " ( neither English words mind nor heart adequately describe what it stands for) are Brahmacharis. This is for their own as well as for others, since they do not see themselves separate from others. The best way to describe such people is Sahaj. Means simple. Without much effort.
These men and women are easy to live with and are inspiring. Celibacy definitely enhances the inner beauty and makes one more powerful. It also increases Dhyeyanishtha; as mind is free of lustful thoughts. Celibacy does not mean only physical restraint; but the restraint of the senses from "Taamsi" or excitable thoughts. For example; watching a violent movie or even news channels these days can be termed as taamsi ot that which causes a hindrance to celibacy.
"Ichha Mukti" = Sanyam. Self Control. This is classified into 2 types :
1. When something is out of your reach and you crave it, realise the futility of it and stop wanting it after exerting self restraint over the mind.
2. When something is readily available and even abundant; reachable, attainable, yet you remain detached from it.
Example : Rishi Marich is sitting under the Kalpa vriksha yet not wanting anything.
Self restraint is essential in students as it is said that those encompassed in comforts never attain knowledge. Even the opposite is true:- those who are knowledgeable are rarely engrossed in comfort. The enlightened ones leave the comforts in search of the divine purpose and fulfilment of this purpose.
Those who believe in this divine purpose take up the challenges in their stride. Just as a child knows that if the mother does not let him have something it is for his own good; similarly an enlightened being will take the hurdles in his path as the will of God or as an exercise towards growth in potential and test of spirit and singularity of purpose.
There are those who leave everything to God and do not make an effort to bring about positive changes in their own lives and to the lives of others around them. They are not inspired or motivated. It is the duty of the spiritual leaders to not only inspire, but to guide them in doing what is needed to be done to serve others and find the divine purpose. To give a purpose to people is the biggest duty of spiritual leaders.
God resides within us. Those who realise this are true Brahmacharis. This feeling makes us very powerful. But this realisation should not be accompanied by the wielding of this power over others or even divulged to those around us. Instead, these brahmacharis are the secret police of God, sort of our conscience policing over us and those around us and preventing deeds and words that have the potential to hurt others and as a result; hurt the supreme Parmatma.
We all have God within us, but in a passive state. In Brahmacharis, God residing within achieves an active state. They make a concious effort to do the work of God under the guidance of the inner divine self. It is these divine leaders in every walk of lives that Dadaji refers to as Brahmacharis. They may be married or unmarried, may have any political or religious affiliation; may or may not be polular, may or may not be reverred, may effect may or few lives; but yet they are Brahmacharis as they carry out the work of God.
These men and women are easy to live with and are inspiring. Celibacy definitely enhances the inner beauty and makes one more powerful. It also increases Dhyeyanishtha; as mind is free of lustful thoughts. Celibacy does not mean only physical restraint; but the restraint of the senses from "Taamsi" or excitable thoughts. For example; watching a violent movie or even news channels these days can be termed as taamsi ot that which causes a hindrance to celibacy.
"Ichha Mukti" = Sanyam. Self Control. This is classified into 2 types :
1. When something is out of your reach and you crave it, realise the futility of it and stop wanting it after exerting self restraint over the mind.
2. When something is readily available and even abundant; reachable, attainable, yet you remain detached from it.
Example : Rishi Marich is sitting under the Kalpa vriksha yet not wanting anything.
Self restraint is essential in students as it is said that those encompassed in comforts never attain knowledge. Even the opposite is true:- those who are knowledgeable are rarely engrossed in comfort. The enlightened ones leave the comforts in search of the divine purpose and fulfilment of this purpose.
Those who believe in this divine purpose take up the challenges in their stride. Just as a child knows that if the mother does not let him have something it is for his own good; similarly an enlightened being will take the hurdles in his path as the will of God or as an exercise towards growth in potential and test of spirit and singularity of purpose.
There are those who leave everything to God and do not make an effort to bring about positive changes in their own lives and to the lives of others around them. They are not inspired or motivated. It is the duty of the spiritual leaders to not only inspire, but to guide them in doing what is needed to be done to serve others and find the divine purpose. To give a purpose to people is the biggest duty of spiritual leaders.
God resides within us. Those who realise this are true Brahmacharis. This feeling makes us very powerful. But this realisation should not be accompanied by the wielding of this power over others or even divulged to those around us. Instead, these brahmacharis are the secret police of God, sort of our conscience policing over us and those around us and preventing deeds and words that have the potential to hurt others and as a result; hurt the supreme Parmatma.
We all have God within us, but in a passive state. In Brahmacharis, God residing within achieves an active state. They make a concious effort to do the work of God under the guidance of the inner divine self. It is these divine leaders in every walk of lives that Dadaji refers to as Brahmacharis. They may be married or unmarried, may have any political or religious affiliation; may or may not be polular, may or may not be reverred, may effect may or few lives; but yet they are Brahmacharis as they carry out the work of God.
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