Showing posts with label spirituality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spirituality. Show all posts

Monday, August 12, 2024

Why Worry? A Spiritual Perspective




A
nxiety, one of the natural feelings everyone experiences at some point in their life,  can be attributed to fear of the future or concern over the past. 

 Anxiety, which in its aspect might be understood as a chatter in the mind, is an agent with which any individual might be familiar.

It is an influential mental perception resulting from the fear of the unknown, the absence of religious faith, and an overreliance on personal skills.

Psychologically, worry is considered to be a form of spiritual attention deficit, in which one forgets his or her spiritual self.

The Roots of Worry


Worry grows out of the root of severance and division which is the exact opposite of the reality of union. We convince ourselves that we are lonely, and have no one to turn to within a society that is so unpredictable.
 The very illusion of division thus makes the corresponding environment ideal for the thriving of fear, anxiety, and, consequently, worry.
We stress over the future, over the past, about our health, money, relationships and everything else. This is like having a mental checklist of things that our minds constantly work on as if there is always something to be worried about.

Worry and the Spiritual Life


Anxiety does not only indicate a psychological status, but it also points to a mini Spiritual condition. It acts as a shield between us and our souls, so we cannot feel the inner peace, happiness, and contentment that are part of our divine nature. As the opposite of anxiety, when involved with worry we are blinded to the guidance system within our spirituality.

Worry is
 a form of disbelief on the part of the individual in the existence of a divine plan.
 It suggests that we cannot rely on life's happening in the sequence of a divine plan. It points out that we need to dominate and manage every aspect of life while leaving and getting carried away by the currents of life.

Among the amazing sources, the Bhagavad Gita provides purpose and inspiration on how to know and not worry.

Overcoming Worry Through Spirituality

Worry is not something that can be eliminated or even stifled and this is why overcoming worry cannot be explained as a process of suppressing worry. It’s more about the change of approach to it.

The Bhagavad Gita
often referred to as the Gita is part of the great Indian epic the Mahabharata.

Self-analysis of the passage of the work of the Bhagavad Gita helps in understanding the causes of worry and specific advice to do away with it.

Here are some key teachings:

Karma yoga is one of the resources for dealing with detachment from outcomes that is practised by people.


VERSE 47

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन ।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥४७॥

karmaṇy-evādhikāraste mā phaleṣu kadācana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo’stv-akarmaṇi

Your right is to perform your work, but never to the results. Never be motivated by the results of your actions, nor should you be attached to not performing your prescribed duties.

Verse 2. 47: ''That right which is well-deserved can be followed by the prescribed tasks, But you are not entitled to the results of the actions done by you, Nor are you to be considered as the performer of the result of the activities done by you''


VERSE 8

न हि प्रपश्यामि ममापनुद्याद्
यच्छोकमुच्छोषणमिन्द्रियाणाम् ।
अवाप्य भूमावसपत्नमृद्धं
राज्यं सुराणामपि चाधिपत्यम् ॥८॥

na hi prapaśyāmi mamāpanudyād
yac chokam ucchoṣaṇam indriyāṇām
avāpya bhūmāv-asapatnam ṛddhaṁ
rājyaṁ surāṇām api cādhipatyam


Even if I gain a substantial kingdom beyond compare and the power of the demigods, I see nothing that can remove this grief that is eroding my senses.

The eighth verse of this text points out the message that we should engage in an action We should work without worrying about the outcome.  



This way, one can avoid anxiety and stress because he or she has done his or her part in doing the right thing and the rest has been left in the hands of the almighty.

However, it should be noted that excessive hardness is not a proper attitude to choose to remain equal in success and failure.


VERSE 48

योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय ।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते ॥४८॥

yogasthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañjaya
siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṁ yoga ucyate

O Dhanañjaya, stand firm in yoga, perform your activities give up attachment and be equipoised for both success and failure. Such balance is known as yoga.

Verse 2. 48: ''Fix your mind on the performance of the action and do not Geld in performing it, whether you meet with success or failure; such a state is said to be Yoga"

Worrying is lessened as well as emotional fluctuation when we anchor ourselves to have a balanced view of success and failure.

Submit to God’s Will 


VERSE 66

सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज ।
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः ॥६६॥

sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ

Abandon all types of dharma – come and surrender unto Me alone! Do not fear, for I will surely deliver you from all reactions.

Verse 18. 66: ''Give up all other forms of religion and just devote yourselves to Me alone; I will set you free from the wicked reactions of the world; you should not be afraid''

Compliance with religious beliefs can help to reduce the load of concern; the concept of turning to the powers above.

Faith and submission to the plan of the almighty decrease the load of the cares and concerns.

They serve as a reminder that you are not in this struggle alone; someone cares and is actively working to make better the things that have gone wrong.

Though there is a difference between the terms mindfulness and present moment awareness, they are both closely related.



VERSE 5

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् ।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ॥५॥

uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet
ātmaiva hy-ātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ

Living beings must elevate themselves by the mind – they must not degrade themselves. Certainly, the mind is the friend of living beings as well as their worst enemy. 

Verse 6. 5: ''One has to cleanse the passage for the august Self by one’s own mind. Mind is the friend too of the fractioned soul and his foe as well''

Awareness and detachment enable a person to control his or her thoughts and feelings.

Therefore focusing on the present moment helps one to get out of the worrying system of the past and future.

''Practical suggestions on how to eliminate worry from one’s life''


Practice Detachment


Trust the process and what can come out of it, do not concern yourself with results. Remember that your grim work is not to go unrewarded but rather that which in due time will be rewarded.

Cultivate Equanimity


Have a positive attitude towards all that you do, this includes success and failure. Realize that both are included in that process and there is always something for one to learn.

Surrender and Trust


Pray, leave your concerns with the Lord/put your faith in God to take care of things. Believe that there is something better out there and someone is leading you in the right direction.

Stay Present

Meditation and deep breathing are critical in helping a person focus on the present moment and not get easily carried away by stressful thoughts. This can seriously assist to lessen a anxiousness and enhance the quality of your idea approach.

Reflect on the Teachings

Defining the recommended activity, one should state that it is crucial to read and ponder over the content of the Bhagavad Gita continually. It means that you should turn to its wisdom when you have to think about what to do concerning worry and uncertainty.

In Nutshell

The Gita presents instructions on how to eliminate the tumour of worry and attain a state of positive evolution. That is why one must learn to detach, cultivate equanimity, and surrender to divinity and presence in our lives to learn how to avoid worry and lead a joyful life. Yes, worry is a mode of existence and we should practice managing worry with the help of Gita counselling.🙏



A few words

 Thanks for taking the time to read this content. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please consider leaving a comment, if this material resonates with you. 

Thank you.


 








Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Divine Timing





In a world of quick results, patience and trust often take a backseat. but embracing the concept of divine timing, surrendering control, and trusting the journey can bring profound rewards. 
However, there is much wisdom in learning to slow down and trust in the universe's timing.


 Always remember, what is meant for you will come in its own time.
 
''Join us as we explore the concept of surrender, interpret universal cues, and cultivate serenity for a deeper understanding of our personal path. Through this exploration, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of our individual paths and appreciate the beauty of allowing life to unfold at its own unique pace''. 

Understanding the Concept of Divine Timing

The idea of divine timing suggests that everything happens at the right time, guided by a higher purpose that we may not understand immediately.
When we talk about divine timing, we mean that everything that happens in our lives is part of a bigger plan. Believing in this concept, we let go of trying to control everything and accept that the universe is working in our favour, providing what we truly need.

Embracing Patience and Trust

By embracing the virtues of patient perseverance, relinquishing control, and cultivating inner peace, we can experience the beauty of surrendering to the flow of life.

Things do not happen or change overnight. Nature has its own ways of doing things, have patience and let the universe do its work. Even if things are not working in your favour right away, know that it is all because of a greater plan for you. The higher power is in control and knows what is best for you, what you need and when to bless you.

 Divine timing works on its own time. It may push something on you that you do not think is for you. If it does, then do not hold yourself back, surrender trust the divine power accept the change and move forward things happen when you are ready for them.  

Exploring the Intersection of Fate and Free Will

The concept of divine timing educates us that there is a predetermined path for us, but we still can influence its direction.  Finding a balance between fate and free will involves taking inspired actions staying true to our values, and working with the universe to create our own reality.
When we honour both the guidance of the universe and our own choices, we navigate the delicate interplay between surrender and empowerment, and finally, we become happier.

The transformative magic of surrendering

With the concept of divine timing comes the idea of surrendering yourself completely to the universal power.

Surrender differs from giving up or passivity, it suggests releasing the need to control every aspect of our lives. Trusting and believing in power beyond our control. Surrendering to this trust can bring unexpected moments, coincidences, and blessings as we go with the divine flow of life. 
This gives relief from the grip of control mode and the suffocation of relationships, expectations of society, and the feeling of frustration that this thing is not working and that thing is going out of hand, you feel calm, peaceful and safe too. 

Releasing Attachment to Outcomes

librates from anxiety and  impatience

When we release our attachment to specific outcomes, we liberate ourselves from anxiety and impatience. We start believing that everything is happening as it should, we feel relaxed and enjoy the present moment rather than worrying about the future. 
Changing our focus from the goal to the journey. We discover wonders, knowledge, inner strength, peace and contentment. this improves mental and physical health too. And allows you to function better.

Increased Awareness

Trusting in divine timings and believing that everything is happening for a reason, we may be more likely to seek lessons and opportunities for growth in every situation. Leading to a deeper understanding of life and becoming aware of our thoughts and emotions, helps us stop worrying about the past and future.


Trusting in divine timing can be challenging when things do not go as planned. Resulting in impatience and disturbing the inner peace.



Overcoming Impatience and Cultivating Inner Peace

Identifying Triggers of Impatience

Impatience often comes from wanting immediate results, worrying about missed chances and comparing our progress with others.
Understanding these triggers helps us deal with the underlying causes and be kinder to ourselves.
Seeing impatience as a sign to take a break, breathe and trust the divine power, that things will work out, helps us handle life's uncertainties in a better and more meaningful way.

Practical Strategies for Cultivating Inner Peace

To find inner peace when facing life's challenges, we can practice mindfulness, gratitude, and self-care. 

Mindfulness means being present in the moment and accepting things without judgment.

Gratitude helps you focus on the positive side of your life giving a feeling of satisfaction and contentment.

No one can predict divine working

To find ease and comfort in uncertainties learn to be at ease in uncomfortable situations. universe exposes us to difficult and uncomfortable situations to test our faith, strength, and patience.

Go with the  flow

''Be patient, surrender, flexible, detached, and comfortable in discomfort'' believe that everything will work out, and God will not let you down. Let go of fear and doubt.

 Remember......

The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you. 

It is the belief that nature is very precise and perfect, everything happens when it is supposed to happen.

What is meant for you will always come in unexpected and beautiful ways at the right moment.



Thank you for taking the time to read this content. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please consider leaving a comment if this material resonates with you. Thank you.




Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The Path of Self-Discovery: A Journey Within- ''KABIR''



Kabir, the mystic poet of 15th-century India, left behind resilient verses that still strike a chord in the hearts of truth seekers.


One such verse, "aadi achhar hi aagam hai ta ko sab bistar,
 sat-guru daya ten paiye sattnam nij saar,"



An incisive analysis of reality, the position of Satguru, and self-realization as an ultimate goal.

The Path of Self-Discovery: A Journey Within

This verse of Kabir is not any kind of philosophical statement; it is an invitation. 
It calls us to this journey of self-realization, seeking the company and instructions of a true teacher who would guide us toward experiencing the "aadi achchar" within ourselves. Without a doubt, this will pass through practices of meditation, devotional service, or cultivation of the heart with open inquiry.

The Source of All: The Primordial Sound

The verse opens with a very interesting statement: "aadi achhar hi aagam hai" - "the primal sound is the source.

It transcends the province of words or concepts - it is a fine energy, so fine that it cannot be seen, yet powerful enough to become all things."This "aadi achhar," literally translating to "the first sound," is often interpreted as the primordial vibration, the root from which all creation unfolds.
Some people interpret it as universal consciousness, the ground of being from which all existence emanates. It is considered as "aadi achchar'' and is interpreted differently by different spiritual traditions.

" Some call it the Cosmic Sound 'Om', the Holy Syllable,
 the essence of all that is." Some others link it with the Unmanifested Brahman, who is considered in Hinduism to be the root source of creation. Whatever the interpretations, the fundamental message is the same: everything we see hear or experience has this unique source as its origin.

Beyond Duality: All Are Interconnected.

The verse progresses with the phrase "ta ko sab bistar," which means "from that, all unfolds." It Unfolds the Universe, from Source to Manifestation, a Reflection of the One

The lines of the bani show that everything is interlinked.
That singular source is known as "aadi achchar," from which the universe comes into being. Just as from one seed grows a tree, similarly, the whole universe is based on that one source. The creative source does not stand apart from its creation; it is all part of the same fabric.

Deficiency of the Intellect: The Need for a Real Teacher
It then accepts that this knowledge in itself is not enough.

It says, "sat-guru daya ten paiye sattnam nij saar" – "through the grace of the true teacher, one obtains the true name, one's own essence." In this couplet, Kabir introduces the "sat-guru," the true spiritual teacher.
Sat-Guru: A Guiding Light

The Echoes of Eternity: Unveiling the Self with the Primal Sound in Kabir's Verse

This disarmingly simple verse holds a profundity of realization about reality the road to self-realization, and the role of the spiritual teacher. Let us delve deeper into what it has to say in its many levels of meaning.

The Primordial Sound: A Source Beyond Duality.

The verse opens with that very captivating phrase, "aadi achhar hī aagam hai." That literally means "of the primal sound, it is the source."

The "aadi achhar" at present is beyond language and personalised definitions. It is generally taken to mean a primaeval vibration, some sort of sound that created creation. Some scholars have related it to universal consciousness, to a ground of being from which all existence emerged.
This "aadi achhar" is a state beyond duality, a sort of neutrality, where terms like good and bad, creation and destruction, have not yet dissociated from one another. From here everything unfolds; that is the substratum of all phenomena.

The Expanding Universe: A Mirror of the One

The verse continues, "ta ko sab bistar," which literally means "from that, all unfolds."

This line of great beauty shows the oneness of all of existence. Just as waves come up and then fall back into the ocean, the entire universe manifests from this one source.
Everything we see around us—all these mountains and rivers, stars and planets, even the thoughts and emotions that appear within our minds—are but waves upon the endless ocean of the "aadi achhar."

Beyond the Veil of Illusion: The Need for the Satguru.

Such a primordial sound can be understood only at a slightly deeper level of awareness.

Such a nondual reality cannot be comprehended by the human mind, conditioned by the senses and limited by the bondage of language.
Therefore arises the need for the "sat-guru." It means the realized one, the one beyond the confinements of the mind and who, by experiencing the "aadi achhar" firsthand, has gone beyond the limitations of the mind.
Here the role of the "sat-guru" comes to the fore.
 That relationship between disciple and sat-guru is often portrayed as a condition or state of pure consciousness beyond the reach of ego and attachments to the material world.

Teacher's Grace: Inaugurating the Real Name

The verse underlines the role of the "sat-guru" in the lines, "sat-guru daya ten pa iye sattnam nij saar."

It means "through the grace of the true teacher, one obtains the true name, one's own essence."
Here, "sattnam" does not stand for a literal name but is a metaphor, implying the realization of one's self. It is representative of the experience one has of his link with that divine source, the "aadi achhar."He says that the "sat-guru" acts as a bridge in helping the disciple shed narrow identification with the ego and connect with the vastness of one's real nature.

Thus, Kabir's verse becomes a kind of guide for any spiritual seeker. It is an assertion of the "aadi achchar," or interwoven-ness of things—how a "sat-guru" is needed to realize one's "sattnam."

Such a path is not of intellectual gymnastics, but one of devotion, surrender, and openness to the grace from the true teacher.

Relevance in the Modern World

In today's world of haste and information overload, Kabir's verse retains an important message. It reminds us to look beyond all appearances and search for an underlying unity in existence; this source of all existence is within us, waiting to be discovered.
It beckons us beyond the realm of mere intellectual pursuits to the guidance of those who have walked the path of self-realization.
This could be through meditation practices, devotional service, or simply the cultivation of the heart of open inquiry. Embracing this verse as received wisdom, we can begin our journey toward self-realization, which will bring ever greater understandings of ourselves, our place within the universe, and the connection to divine order.🙏


''Thank you for reading! please comment if it  resonates''

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Kabir's Wisdom






Kabir's Wisdom: Truth Over Illusion

The Hindi verse "jantar tantar sab jhūTh hai mat bharmo jag koy satt sabad jaane binā kauvā hans na hoai" can be translated into English as:



 All magics and spells are lies, do not fool the world, the crow has no idea which word can help it turn into a swan. ”

This line is derived from  ‘Dohas of Kabir’ which is a 30-verse composition that has been composed by Kabir, a 15th-century Indian Holy man.

It is a rejection of witchcraft and fake or Westernized medicine and an encouragement of the truth and knowledge, hence the Enlightenment. 

Working with its distinct tone and its words’ connotations, this verse is a clear proclamation of the value of truth and enlightenment for a human being. It is a call to shun the various beliefs that are considered to have been acquired through the spirit medium and instead turn within in search of genuine knowledge.

‘‘Jantar Tantar sab Jhuth hai’’ This eliminates the possibility of anybody using magic or chants to achieve his or her intended goals. 

This thread runs through the whole of Kabir’s work as he did not believe in the power of rulers or lords.

”mat bharmo jag koy” In fact this phrase literally translates into English to “don’t deceive the world. ” 

This is a tell that people should not propagate bad things, particularly superstitious beliefs. Kabir always looked at the possibility of wrong teachings being propagated and he encouraged people to think critically of what was being told and what was being seen. 
He indicated that knowledge existed somewhere deep within. One could only be sought and people should always be forthright in their dealings with other people.

“satt sabad jaane binā” This phrase literally translates to “without knowing the true word. ” The “true word” can be taken in many ways, but in the most basic of terms, it is considered the spiritual and philosophical or even mystical, knowledge a person has or knows of himself.

In this verse, the author is mocking the people who believed in superstitious and paranormal aspects. It claims that inner knowledge and understanding are the way to go out in a quest for knowledge and not through magic and spells.

The Power of Truthful Knowledge: Therefore, according to Kabir, the change has to be internal, which can only be brought about by accepting the nature of existence.
Thus, he stated that without this knowledge people are as hopeless as crows.

The crow symbolises ignorance and the swan represents knowledge and enlightenment. The crow is the black bird that depicted the negative omen of death and the swan is the white bird that has been shown to depict beauty and cleanness.

 This specific line infers that without insight, people remain no better than crows. With the right knowledge, we can rise above like the swans above the mire of samsara.

The verse is also a provocation towards reason as a potential source of liberation from the alleged tyrannous rule of magic or chants to achieve his or her intended goals believed in superstitious and paranormal rituals.  People should never act and believe in rituals that do so, it is without taking time and analyzing the information. 

This is the only way we are likely to develop real appreciation and understanding. As far as critical thinking is concerned we should not take everything that is said or written at face value.

In fact, the verse can be interpreted as a message that people should rely on themselves. It means that we should not depend on what people tell us regarding knowledge and happiness. However, we must not rely on external sources for answers that are said to be seeking within us.

The verse can be interpreted as a symbol or as a reminder of the language’s potential as well. This one is, indeed, a true word that is simply symbolic of the power of words that following the verse form something in existence. 
To sum up, there is nothing outside of following rituals of magic spells and superstitions, we should learn how to manage our lives properly to achieve the best result for making our lives more meaningful with true mystical, knowledge a person has or knows of himself.

It is a verse of encouragement. It provides hope to people that even though at the moment they live in a world full of ignorance and superstition one can rise above that and become enlightened.

It is not surprising that there is a heavy moral code expressed in the verse. It motivates people to tell the truth and to be productive as well as strive towards the acquisition of genuine knowledge.

The Doha is a message that teaches people to be independent and find their way to enlightenment. Unlike most fairy tales, it does not focus on getting information or solving problems using magic or spells but using our inner selves.


''Thank you for reading! please comment if it  resonates''

Friday, July 12, 2024

Universal Love







''The basic energy of the universe''

 Embracing
 Oneness 

This is actually a very simple way of accepting someone as they are, love in this case would mean no strings attached. It does not matter how good they are, what they look like, or how they behave; one just has to accept everything.

Different cultures, beliefs and teachings have these elements that go beyond personal feelings or romantic relationships. It's about understanding that everything is connected, which helps us feel a strong sense of togetherness and unity.
It is more about being aware of the concept that everything in existence interacts with each other and further strengthens a sense of belongingness and unity.

 “Love all”  is not romantic love. Rather it reveals the truth that we are part of this cosmic energy. When we talk about universal love then there is no I, My, me, you, your, yours, They, Their, Them. we are all one. It needs to melt the identity.



 Interconnectedness of Life

 Every part of life is connected. We all are entwined within existence. From the largest banyan tree to the smallest insect, all organisms have roles to play in this cosmic ballet.

 By sensing this bond we feel deep compassion and love for every living creature on earth including human beings.

 Everything you see whether living or non-living movable or immovable is part of this cosmic dance

Everything is joined up together

 We’re all part of an enormous life network called life itself. In universal dance, every living thing from massive banyan trees to the tiniest insects plays its role.

If we understand this truth, we will be able to have compassion and love for all beings including other humans as well as small ones.


Understanding this helps us feel love and friendship for every creature on earth, from humans to tiny bugs.

''We all only have a temporary home on this planet of ours.''
 

Love Nurtures Acceptance 

This understanding of unity among all people can help us to look beyond differences of race, religion, nationality, or social status. This involves seeking new connections and growing relationships which will make you fall in love with the place you live in and even more in love with the people that you share it with.

Moving past opposite

 Universal love can help us think beyond binary opposing systems – like right and wrong, or us versus them.
 By viewing the world through the prism of love, we can start to see everything's fundamental value and see past the straightforward contradictions that these conceptions contain. Every difficult situation is a chance for growth and development.

Release Duality

 Our world is made of good and bad, day and night. Universal love destroys this hostile pattern. We must see clearly and discard these labels. Even the "bad" things offer growth opportunities.

Love as a Source of Positive Energy

Love cannot be defeated, and when we receive it, it is difficult for it not to spread. Then we encourage others to act more kindly and with greater understanding. Over time and across geographies, love might become contagious, bringing peace.

Seeing the goodness in others

 Loving all means showing love to all and finding the best in them. It doesn't mean overlooking the wrong things others do. Just notice them and refuse to be judgmental. Believe in kindness in everyone.

Love Yourself

 Loving the world starts with loving yourself. If you want to love the world outside, you must first love yourself. This way, you can openly welcome love into your life.

Universal love  is power in harmony

 The feeling of love brings all actions in balance with all things within ourselves and harmonizes everything outside. Nothing is excluded.

The Difficulty of Loving Everyone and Everything

 Loving everything might sound unrealistic. As humans, we have likes and dislikes for certain things and situations. Universal love suggests not to judge anything not to comment upon and not to hate a thing or a person.
Be humble. If you cannot praise or appreciate anything or anybody, then do not criticise, do not have any ill feeling also. Just do Namaskar and move.

Universal love is a process, not a final goal.  It needs ongoing work and looking inward. There will be obstacles, times of criticism, and negative thoughts.



Loving everything and everyone creates harmony and balance in total. We not only improve our own lives but also help create a more calm and balanced world for everyone.🙏



''Thank you for reading! please comment if it  resonates''

Monday, June 24, 2024

''WHEN CHARM MEETS UNDERSTANDING''


FIND YOUR GUIDING LIGHT IN A PARTNER, NOT JUST CHARM




Life is a journey and not a destination, an overnight and treacherous with tempests and hidden shoals. Under these circumstances, a partner needs to be strong and steady, too.
A Sanskrit verse from Durga saptshati articulates this expectation  "Patni manormam dehi manovritanusarnim tarnim durg  sansar sagrasya kulod- bhwam."
Which, in simple English, means: "May my wife be beautiful, understand my mind, and be a boat to take me across the rough sea of this world, which is full of distress. and from a good respectable family"

The following line depicts more of a wish or hope to have a wife, who should not only be beautiful and fair but also caring and sharing. It has been interpreted to symbolize the journey of life that is often considered a voyage full of hazards and perils. 
The wife plays the sailboat that carries the husband across this voyage and provides him with the strength and support he needs to achieve success.

This verse illustrates marriage as something more than the living together of two people

''Wife Being Smart and Not Just Pretty''

It describes the importance of the wife being smart and not just pretty. A good wife guesses what her husband is thinking and what he needs before he says it. 

Their presence and poise during the worst moments in life can fill people with strength and comfort. A good partner, because of the winning personality, lights up moods and brings positive vibes along with them wherever they go. 

A Bond of Understanding 

This bond of understanding creates a feeling of togetherness and turns them into a team against life's ups and downs.

Of course, charm alone isn't enough. The huge ocean is symbolic of the world with all its tricky parts. It portrays the stuff that gets heavy, problems, and surprise issues we face in our lives.
 
The wife keeps things steady when life gets rough, like a strong ship, supporting her husband through the turmoil. She gives him a feeling of safety when everything's disturbed and uncertain. 

A partner who gets what is in your mind listens to you without judgment.  Understanding what you are going through, is all that is worth their weight in gold. 
They provide a place where one can drop his guard and where the people actually care about what one thinks and feels.

It goes even further. A good captain needs a strong ship. One that can weather the storm and sail into the unknown. Without a capable and trusted right-hand person, though, even a good captain is useless.

But for a particularly hardy boat, a good sailor needs an equally sure compass to plot his path across the water. She is his compass, and with her insight into her husband, they power through life together, side by side, against bad weather and strong currents, and end up where they hope to be.
Life is full of uncertainties and risks. Searching for a person who is not only nice but also an understanding soul is like searching in the ocean for a sturdy boat that would see you through even the most violent tempests. You can withstand any problem that suddenly rears its head, knowing you've got each other's backs.

This part isn't about one person only; it goes both ways. A husband should try to be a helpful and caring partner, giving strength and advice to help them both move ahead as a team.

The beauty of the sloka lies in the perpetuity of its message. It soars beyond cultural barriers and speaks to the perennial humanness, to the need for a mate, a beautiful and useful mate-one who understands them and sees them through life's ups and downs. The poem reminds an age that can be vastly lonely of the sustained power of a sensitive and supportive partnership.
It is a relationship acting as a safe haven of trust, guiding one through life on earth, which keeps on changing.
So kindly, if you have found a companion who keeps you going and finds you desirable- well they are there to guide you.
 May you both enjoy a journey with loads of love, care, and plenty of trips.




Friday, June 21, 2024

The Mind's Paradox: Prison and Path



The Sanskrit phrase "मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः"


"The mind alone is the cause of both bondage and liberation for humans.

This saying is from the Upanishads which are part of the sacred literature of Hinduism that concentrate on philosophical questions. This aspect specifically underscores the role of the mind in the formation of experiences as well as one’s fate in life. Thus, it implies that what we think, want and cling to or attach one’s self to befalls the realm of bondage (Bandha) or liberates (moksha).

The brain is a double-sided sword

On the one hand, it is possible to mention that it is one of the greatest sources of inspiration, pleasure and comprehension.

On the other hand, the mind can turn into a prison by itself and one which is created by the individual. This is particularly catastrophic.

When we bind ourselves to our thoughts, feelings or attitudes, they become mental prisons to prevent us from attaining happiness. It happens when we are caught in the web of fear, anger, and self-annoyance, and can never achieve harmony and satisfaction.
 Bondage (Bandha)
This state, where the action is being conditioned and limited by thoughts, emotions, and desires is Bondage (Bandha) It is the state of suffering and struggling for fulfilment from the outside world.
 Liberation (Moksha)
On the other hand, there is the state of being unconditioned and unlimited. It is the state of consciousness, the state of no mind as well as the state of transcendental bliss. This is Liberation (Moksha)

The mind is an instrument that can chosen to be used for one’s liberation or shackles. Still and all, the usage of the minds we possess is a decision we have to make.

Remember mind is a terrific force to reckon with. It can build our own heaven and hell or in simple terms, it can build our own paradise or inferno.

Understanding Mind's Nature

Mind is very flexible. It can be trained & changed & developed by practices and techniques like meditation, mindfulness and introspection.
For that one has to penetrate into the mind and see its true nature, which is liberating. 
This is not a form of repression where you shut down your thoughts and feelings, rather it’s a state in which you observe thoughts and feelings without being compelled to act on them. It compels responsibility on the aspect of thinking and doing within the society.

In fact, there exists a close relationship between the world within us and the external world  This exactly suggests the fact that most of the things that happen to us and around us are reflections of the state of our mind. 
According to Buddhism, when our minds are mired in passion or aversion or any other negative state, we contact a situation that releases those feelings, just as oil and water mix together.
It is when we think positively, having a gentle and humble heart with no desire for the things of this world that we get to feel, to experience the feelings of being at peace, being happy and spiritual. This in turn brings us towards ‘moksha’ which means getting free from samsara or the cycle of birth death and rebirth.

If only the minds can be tamed then positive thinking combined with right actions can usher in pure consciousness and infinite bliss and freedom.

Nutshell

The Upanishads, Hinduism's sacred literature, emphasize the mind's role in shaping experiences and life's fate. The mind can be both a source of inspiration and a prison, with bondage indicating suffering and liberation characterized by consciousness and transcendental bliss. By taming the mind, one can experience pure consciousness and freedom.



Please share your opinion in the comments. Thank you.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

The Impermanence of Life: Embracing Change




The Impermanence of Life: 
Embracing Change

Nothing is permanent in the flow of life and its ebbs. The transient nature of everything is a core belief that has been passed through various philosophies and traditions. This impermanence is found in nature’s cycles, and human rhythms, which always remind us of how our experiences and possessions are fleeting.

In the natural world, time passes on through constant change or transformation. The seasons perfectly exemplify this. Spring’s flowers give way to lush greenness in summer then turn to golden-brown leaves of autumn before winter takes over with its drab bareness. Although these stages are all vividly true for their moment, they are also transient making room for the next ones in an unending cycle of growth and decay.

Human existence similarly exemplifies the reality of impermanence
“change is a universal truth” which is widely known as an extremely profound statement. It means that change is a basic aspect of being and can be seen in different aspects.


From birth to death, we grow up, age then die. Relationships go through evolution sometimes unexpectedly so. Friendships flourish and wane; love sprouts then dies; social roles transform over time.


Life is always changing, as society and culture evolve. Nothing is eternal, lasting whether it is good or bad. Flavours of transitoire, life, and experiences, where we find peace and solace. Acknowledging that change is not complete allows us to see and appreciate life right here and now. Hastening or giving an estimate of one's own identity can make one more graceful and more grateful for the experiences and connections.

"Many of the seemingly solid structures we build homes, careers, and social structures we depend upon and evolve over time. Organizations can rise and fall just as civilizations have done throughout history."

Life is not measured only in big moments; the small events are also part of our journey. These sweet and sour moments of life together make a great experience. This transit nature of existence helps us realise life's impermanence and encourages us to cherish every moment.

The impermanence of life teaches us, that good and bad times will pass. We do not have to be very sad in sorrow and not very overwhelmed in good times. When we think this way, this gives us inner strength and comfort in hardships. This perspective helps in facing the challenges with hope. knowing that nothing lasts forever.

Societies evolve, changing technology, norms, values,
and cultures. Sometimes through migration and conquest, through ideas and innovation, cultures evolve, amalgamate, and disperse. So do those ever-shifting foundations for life, our houses, work histories and social institutions.

Reminding ourselves, that everything is transient can deepen our gratitude for life, making us more appreciative of the gifts of experience and connection that here and now make possible. It leads us to reach out and touch the world, cherishing it in the warm light of love. No wonder, then, that the wise teachings of every tradition speak again and again of impermanence.

Every person needs to grow. Every person changes. Change can be good. Some things have to stay the same. We need some things to stay the same.

Change doesn’t have to be scary. Change can help us turn over a new leaf. It can open doors to new things. It’s easy to keep trying to better ourselves, adjust, and keep going as the world moves.

The stock market is always up in the air. You don’t see every store stay open for years. Advances in technology drive our economy, moving over all industries puzzle everybody differently. Policy and lifestyle have been subject to change for centuries.

It is a well-worn religious reflection for humans to note that “This too shall pass”. 
For instance, Buddhism describes all conditioned phenomena as being in a state of constant flux or impermanence (annica or anitya. And Heraclitus, the ancient Greek selected, once said, “You can never step in the same river twice”.

Knowing that nothing stays the same helps you make the most of every day and live your best life. Expect the unexpected and you'll be able to embrace new things, survive whatever comes your way, and always be improving.

Once you get used to changing and uncertainty, you can use them to your advantage, which gives you a huge benefit when things do shift. It's a constant process of turning uncertainties and setbacks into learning opportunities, even when they come with more failures than successes.




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