Arjuna asked Sri Krishna a question, which we all ask. He said to Sri Krishna,
I can understand that effort and faith go hand in hand, so faith alone cannot provide the means of achieving the final goal; there has to be an effort, there has to be discipline. You mentioned that other aspects of life are governed by the three gunas. What are those aspects? Continue reading
A wish is a lovely word. Everyone likes to use it. It says so much. Children are asked what do they wish for and parents, relatives and friends try to fulfill their wishes. To see the joyous smile on a child’s face is a reward. Wish fulfillment is a lovely feeling for the person whose wish is grated and for the granter. With Christmas coming soon, many many people all over the world are making wishes and hoping that they will be fulfilled. Continue reading
It is so easy to be angry. But after reading this, it makes one think.
Anybody can become angry—that is easy but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way—that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy. – Aristotle
The Brahman said:
The last message of Sri Krishna. Uddhava Gita. Chapter IV
Thus, I have learnt these things from all these teachers. Now listen O King, to what I have learnt from my own body, as I relate it to you. – 24
We all know the meaning of lies and fake. Lie means untruth, fib, distort, fabricate and so on. Fake means bogus, phony, pseudo, false, contrived and there are many more words.
How do you view the word fake? I am taking it first as one has to understand its meaning. It is a strong word for wrong responses and actions. Continue reading
Naraka/Bhoot Chaturdashi are celebrated for the end of darkness. They are to be observed tomorrow on October 20th. Both Naraka Chaturdashi and Bhoot Chaturdashi are a time to reflect and to be cleansed of negativity and renewal of energy. Narak means hell and Narakasura was called the Asura (monster) from Hell. Bhoot means ghost and in Bhoot Chaturdashi we become mindful and realize that we are not alone. Continue reading
The wise one even though in the body, does not attach importance to it. Neither pleasure nor pain affect him. Whereas the person, who lives by obeying his senses is in a dream like state. Such a person lives in the body which is influenced by our karmas and are influenced by them.
The three gunas which compose us, do not affect a person who does not identify with them. However, the wise one who is free from attachments like sleeping, walking, eating, bathing, smelling and other sensory perceptions becomes a witness. Therefore, living in the midst of Prakriti one becomes unattached like the sky, sun and the wind. – Uddhava Gita: The Last Message of Sri Krishna. Chapter 6: Verses 8—12
How do we define ourselves? Are we spiritual? Are we religious? Spirituality is defined as one’s search for the sacred meaning of life. It means one is seeking to understand one’s inner being. Religious indicates to have a strong belief in religion. It also means being devout and pious.
Can we combine spiritual and religious? Continue reading
How do I stay in my home? How can I be at peace in my home? Do I define my home as being materially comfortable or is my home my internal spiritual abode? Where is my home? 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
All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost. – JR Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring.
So, what are we rooted to? Continue reading
Visualizing Krishna. Seeing, touching and worshipping him. Praising and saluting his image and also the devotees. Reciting his glorious life. Listening to stories about him. Observing the special days dedicated to him. Offerings of worship and conducting the sacred rites according to Vedic and other scriptural texts. Chanting singing, and dancing in the temple. Continue reading
The Uddhava Gita is also called the Last Message of Shri Krishna. Krishna described in this scripture, the attributes which make a person, a sage, sadhu or holy man. Continue reading
Which is it to be, my heart or my mind? I have read and thought about it and I share with you what the Gurus say.
The only basis for a true and lasting unity
Of all humanity is the religion of the heart.
People can only be united if they are free from jealousy, hatred and petty mindedness.
Purify your heart first.
Meet hatred with love and malice with goodwill.
The purer you make your heart,
The greater will be the power of your love. – Swami Sivananda