We are a flower, a tree and the whole garden.
Thich Nhat Hanh has described this statement. I read it and dear ones; I wanted to share it with all of you. It is so beautiful and it made me understand myself better and I hope it does the same for you. Continue reading
What is the definition of a good person? A good person is one, who is empathetic, compassionate, treats other persons with respect and is nonjudgmental. What are the characteristics one looks for in such an individual? Continue reading
Tirukkural was written between 2 BCE—5 CE. It is a series of couplets which are succinct and are relevant even today. It has been translated from Tamil. I selected these couplets from,
Do thou smile like the rose at loss and gain; for the rose, though its petals be torn asunder, still smiles on, and it is never cast down. – Rumi
According to the sages, there is a very clear concept that the world is a play of the three gunas. The three gunas are Tamas, Rajas and Sattwa. Life is a combination of three gunas. The three gunas are continuously interacting although only one is overriding the other two. When sattva prevails, then rajas and tamas are suppressed. Continue reading
Dear ones, we celebrate Diwali, which is a joyous festival, on the twenty first of October. It is a much-loved festival. We light lamps at night, children get fire crackers, new clothes, women buy jewelry, eat lots of sweets and many of us gamble on Diwali night. Continue reading
It is wisest to be impartial. If you have health, but are attached to it, you will always be afraid of losing it. And if you fear that loss, but become ill, you will suffer. Why not remain forever joyful in the self? – Swami Yogananda
A harmonious self is far more valuable than an unhappy self. Ill health can affect us anytime, but do we have to brood about it and dwell on it. One has to understand that it is our thoughts which are influencing us and when that happens, we begin to think that we are victims. The question which come up is: “why me”? Continue reading
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own: you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. – Corinthians 6:19—20
Concentration the word is used by everyone. What does it mean? We tell ourselves and others to be centered, focused, attentive, absorbed, engrossed and determined. All these words mean that we should concentrate on one subject or object only. We know that this is extremely difficult and any number of images and ideas come into our minds. Children, are described as being distracted, or in extreme circumstances suffering from attention deficit disorder. Continue reading
Compassion is the foundation of Hinduism and it involves Bhutadaya (universal empathy). Universal empathy extends beyond humans to all living creatures and responsibility for the natural world. It explains interconnectedness of life and how suffering ultimately affects everyone. Continue reading
I love the idea of the Bhagwad Gita’s Birthday. It is a beautiful celebration as we work on ourselves and offer prayers to Krishna and Lakshmi. The birthday of the Gita is known as Gita Jayanti. It is celebrated on the 11th day of the waxing of the moon in the Margashirsha Shukla Ekdashi. In the lunar calendar it either begins on the new moon or the full moon. It corresponds to the ninth month of the lunar year. It is considered the most sacred month in Hindu faith. Continue reading
Leaders possess numerous powers, but this should not make them adamant and inflexible. They should have the humility to listen to and accept other opinions whenever appropriate. Vinayaka also indicates one who has Vinaya-humility. – Swami Swaroopananda
Dear ones, do we know how to be humble? It is a missing quality or trait. Call it what you wish. Continue reading
You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way it does not exist. – Nietzsche
When I was growing up, in the local paper this title would come every day. A thought for the day. It was the time when one waited for the newspaper to arrive. Then my parents would read the newspaper and the subject would come up for discussion about what the thought was. It was quite the highlight as often one felt that it was exactly what one was thinking about. Dear ones, you must remember that there was no television and one depended on the radio and the daily newspaper. Continue reading
What is Sarvatma Bhava? Sarvatma Bhava means all-encompassing affection for the creatures of the whole world. God is here and now among human beings. Look for him, where he is most needed, not in the temples where people are offering gold to the deities. Continue reading