Spiritual Life

Is there such thing as Selfless Service?

2011-05-23T00:23:00.002-04:00

The Bhagavad Gita, or 'Song of God', one of the sacred Hindu texts, recounts the dialogue between Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, and Arjuna, His disciple.

In this song, Lord Krishna talks about doing actions without taking ownership… in otherwords dedicate your actions or duties to GOD and do your duty efficiently and with care. It is something easier said than done. How can you be truly selfless? Is this possible. I tried many times but still my attachments to what I do is always there. Below is the talk I found from Swami Nirliptananda.

Many things I wanted to do to discipline myself, but never succeeded. Will keep trying…

The spirit of selfless service
from a talk by Swami Nirliptananda

The fifth in a series of Swami's discourses on the Bhagavad Gita.

London, England, UK
We all have different types of duties and responsibilities towards our family, our society, our spiritual life and our dharma — righteousness. We are one big family; we depend on each other for our existence — we cannot exist alone. Therefore, we should work for the good of all. That is what dharma essentially is, to perform our duties. We all live in this world and if we all follow our own individual whims and fancies, there will be clashes of interest all the time and men will be mentally and physically forever fighting each other, and so the whole of life will be a battle of fighting for nothing. We all are different, we think in different ways and we all have our individual needs, but if each of us goes his own way when we are together, there will be clashes of interest all the time. So we get together to work on ways and means whereby each one of us will be able to make a sacrifice for our society, for the good of all. Such a 'law of life' — relating to man — shows us how to live in the world.

Our secular world has many laws to regulate us, because when we are not regulated by laws we may kill ourselves, each other and everything else, we may cause awful destruction. Therefore we need to have regulations. The Rishis incorporated these laws in spiritual living for us to practise from our free will. By nature, voluntarily, we will do the right thing; that is what dharma is about. When we do the right thing we will benefit from it and, ultimately, our society will benefit as well. Another type of law is the law that is imposed on us with the police and the army to force us to follow it, but in spite of all these external forces imposed on us, we still do not live peacefully, because our nature is like that. To practise some discipline is essential.

The Vedas state that it is good to have knowledge, that we must have knowledge, but that knowledge alone is not enough, that we have to enforce some discipline on ourselves, so that we will become morally and ethically elevated. When we just talk all the time others will not follow, and we have to put some pressure on so that they will follow. The nature of human beings is like that and that is why we have so many laws. Therefore the Rishis prescribed dharma, which does not say that we must not destroy but that all is divine and when we knowthat all is divine we will not destroy. It is as simple as that.

The highest perfection

Interdependence is when each of us fulfils our duties as a father, a mother, a daughter, a son, and so on, as a part of society, a part of everything. When we perform duties with the attitude of not thinking of any selfish rewards, but as an obligation, as a contribution to life — that spirit will develop an inner detachment. By performing these types of duties our mind becomes pure, our nature becomes pure and then we become detached from this material world. Attachment arises when we only act for our own selfish requirements, our position, and so on. When we think of our duties towards our family, our society, our religious life and our dharma, we do not become self-centred, but start to think more about others, trying to do things for others; that is what is called seva — selfless service. Through the spirit of selfless service we become detached and our mind becomes purified.

The essential teaching of the Bhagavad Gita is to do seva. Lord Krishna said that through that spirit of selfless activities, when we have nothing to gain and nothing to lose by not doing, performingseva all the time to our family, and so on, we attain that height of realization whereby our mind becomes absorbed in God. So we do not depend on anything else. Lord Krishna advises us, therefore, always to perform — with the spirit of detachment — that action which has to be done; then, verily, we attain to the highest perfection. Lord Krishna explained that when we think only about ourselves all the time and forget everyone else, we become bound to things, and as a result of that attachment all kinds of obstacles come into our life. Therefore, this is not the way for mankind to find peace and happiness. The only way we can find happiness is through detachment, because whenever there is attachment there is suffering — attachment is the cause of suffering. And where there is detachment there is peace and harmony, there is everything because with the spirit of sacrifice comes non-attachment. And where there is sacrifice everyone gains. But when we are self-centred — thinking only about ourselves — no one likes us. No one likes selfish people. Lord Krishna said that there is no place in this world for people who do not make sacrifices, let alone a place in the next world. "Therefore," Lord Krishna said, "always perform action with the spirit of non-attachment."

Whatever great people do and accept as authority, others follow. Spirituality is not just talking; it must express itself in our actions and in our attitude. For it is through example that we can teach, not by just talking. Lord Krishna questioned that if the great people also just talk and do not do anything, what will the others be like? The great people are an example to follow, showing others the way they must walk. So we must work for our family, for our society, for our dharma, and by engaging in these types of activities all the time, our mind will become pure. When our mind becomes pure, God will help us.

Often we think that we are the people who are helping, but we are lucky that we are able to do something. To make a sacrifice is the greatest thing that we can do. As someone said, selfless service is like a tree — we nurture and water it, and when the tree grows we will enjoy it because we have seen the tree from the beginning, we have cared for it, and when it blossoms we feel happy. That is real dharma. The basis of dharma is yajna — to sacrifice. There has not been a great man who has not made a real sacrifice. When we follow this philosophy of sacrifice, we ourselves become great.

The family is the basis

The family is the basis, the root of our society. What our family is, that is what our society becomes. Particularly when the children are very small we need to teach them by example, because if we do not do that when they are small, we will lose control. So Lord Krishna said that we have multiple responsibilities, not one, but responsibilities towards our family, our society, our religious life and our dharma. That is selfless service. If we are like that, our life will be happy and our society will prosper. So the emphasis in the Bhagavad Gita is that when we follow the principles, the ethics and the sadhana — meditation — of the Bhagavad Gita, our life will definitely become sublime; we will experience peace and our society will be in order.Om Tat Sat Hari Om.

Vegetarianism and the Major World Religions

2011-05-04T01:18:00.001-04:00

Something I came across the web

Vegetarianism
and the Major World Religions

The major world religions all provide a sound basis for a vegetarian diet, especially as informed by advances in nutrition, ecology, and agriculture. Now that factory farming has become widespread, animal welfare concerns underscore the imperative to avoid consuming animal products.

View as printable PDF

Eastern Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism

Hinduism

Hinduism's teachers and scriptures often expressly encourage a vegetarian diet, though not all Hindus are vegetarian. Hindus almost universally avoid beef since they consider the cow (Krishna's favorite animal) sacred.

Mahatma Gandhi, however, took Hindu vegetarian observance one step further by declaring, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured by the way in which its animals are treated." Hinduism's vast scriptures contain thousands of passages recommending vegetarianism based on the profound link between ahimsa (nonviolence) and spirituality. For example, the Yajur Veda says, "You must not use your God-given body for killing God's creatures, whether they be human, animals, or whatever." (12.32) Similarly, Hindu law books base many directives on the principle of the sacredness of all life. Manusmriti asserts, "Having well considered the origin of flesh-foods, and the cruelty of … slaying corporeal beings, let man entirely abstain from eating flesh." (5.49)

While the violence of slaughter wrongs animals, it also harms those who consume animals. Causing unnecessary pain and death produces bad karma (ill-effects on oneself as a consequence of ill-treatment of others). Belief in the sacredness of life, reincarnation, nonviolence, and the law of karma are central, inter-related features of the Hinduism's "spiritual ecology."

While Hinduism's basis for vegetarianism is deeply spiritual, its practical merit has also been confirmed by science. For example, the prohibition against harming or killing cows frequently benefits nutrition in India. Zebu cattle, prevalent in India, require no special grain feed or pastures and thrive on organic material of no practical use to humans, such as stubble from harvested crops, roadside grasses, and organic garbage from the village. Cattle contribute milk and dairy foods, labor, transportation, and dung fuel.

Jainism

Vegetarianism is expected practice among Jains, who hold that it is wrong to kill or harm any living being. Jain traditions respect ahimsa (nonviolence), aparigraha (non-acquision), asteya (respect for other's rights) and satya (truth). While Jains comprise less than 1% of India's population, they contribute more than half of all the money donated in India to provide medical and other social assistance to India's poor people.

Buddhism

Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, was a Hindu who accepted many of Hinduism's core doctrines, such as karma. His life and teachings offered special insights into how to address problems of human existence, and he explicitly taught vegetarianism as a component of his general instruction to be mindful and compassionate.

The Buddha's first sermon, called the "Four Noble Truths," focused on the nature of suffering and how to relieve suffering. Bhante Henepola Gunaratna, founder and abbot of the Bhavana Society in High View, WV, interprets the Buddha's first sermon as calling for a meatless diet: "Cultivating the thoughts of non-harm and non-injury and abstinence from killing any living being are so crucial for an individual's peace, harmony, serenity, contentment and attaining liberation from suffering that the Buddha included these principles in the Noble Eightfold Path which is the Fourth Noble Truth of Buddhism." Similarly, the Surangama Sutra states, "…in seeking to escape from suffering ourselves, why should we inflict it upon others? How can a bhikshu [monk] who hopes to become a deliverer of others, himself be living on the flesh of other sentient beings?"

    It is not surprising, then, that the term "sentient beings" is used repeatedly in Buddhist writings and refers to humans and animals. Buddhists aim to relieve the suffering of all sentient beings. The Buddha encouraged mindfulness as necessary for leading a compassionate life, and he forbade Buddhists from engaging in occupations that involve killing animals, such as butcher, fisher, or animal farmer.

Taoism

The Chinese religion of Taoism holds nature as sacred, and this view also favors vegetarianism. Taoism teaches that yin and yang are the two fundamental energies in the world, and Taoists have always "taken the accomplishments of yin [the non-violent, non-aggressive approach] and rescue of creatures as their priority." (Journal of the Academy of Religion, 54: no. 1, 1987) For example, the famous Taoist Master Li Han-Kung explicitly prohibited "those who consume meat" from his holy mountain.

Taoism is distinctive in stressing simplicity. As early as the 6^th century BCE, the Taoist scripture called Tao Te Ching warned against waste (80 TTC). The Tao Te Ching teaches that simplicity allows the individual to live a peaceful life and it protects nature from overuse and pollution. Modern studies of ecology and factory farming have demonstrated that meat production today is extremely complicated and inefficient. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that meat consumption is far less efficient in producing protein than consumption of beans and grains. Because it requires far more grain, modern meat production requires more pesticides, more water, and more fossil fuel to run tractors to farm the extra fields of grain. Burning more fossil fuel wastes natural resources and pollutes the planet. Taoist simplicity encourages eating vegetables, grains, and fruits instead of meat. According to the Tao, the process of meat production tends to be too yang – too aggressive; it involves extreme and unnecessary impact on the environment.

The Abrahamic Religions: Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and Bahá'í Faith

Judaism

The Torah (Hebrew Scriptures) describes vegetarianism as an ideal. In the Garden of Eden, Adam, Eve, and all creatures were instructed to eat plant foods. (Genesis 1:29-30) The prophet Isaiah had a utopian vision in which everyone will once again be vegetarian: "The wolf shall dwell with the lamb … the lion shall eat straw like the ox … They shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain" (Isaiah 11:6-9).

The Torah relates God giving humans "dominion" over every living thing that moves upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28). However, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, first Chief Rabbi of pre-state Israel, pointed out that such "dominion" does not give humans license to treat animals according to every human whim and desire. The Torah and the rabbinic oral tradition preserved in the Talmud and Midrash contain many instructions on how people should treat animals and the rest of creation. Because Judaism focuses on honoring God as the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe, Judaism teaches that we should love and protect all of creation, which belongs to God.

Although the Torah states that, after the Flood, God gave humans permission to eat meat (Genesis 9:3), God also restricted humankind's exploitation of animals. The Jewish people are especially obligated to keep kosher dietary laws and detailed laws requiring humane treatment of animals. Most (but not all) kosher laws deal with meat. For example, Jews may only eat certain animals; they may not consume blood; and they may not consume meat and dairy products together. These laws are divine decrees, given without explicit reasons. However, one of the explanations found in the rabbinic tradition is that the permitted species are in general more peaceful and less violent than others. This serves as an example to humans to refrain from cruelty and other base behavior. There are mystical reasons offered for kosher laws, as well.

Judaism forbids tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, inflicting unnecessary pain on animals. For example, Exodus 23:5 requires that one relieve the burden of an overloaded animal, and the Fourth Commandment includes the instruction that Jews must allow livestock to rest on the Sabbath. The parameters of such laws are discussed in the Talmud and codified in the Shulchan Arukh (Code of Jewish Law). The revered medieval legal authority/philosopher Moses Maimonides wrote that we should show mercy to all living creatures. The 16^th Century mystic Rabbi Moses Cordovero and 19^th Century thinker Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch expressed similar sentiments. By contrast, factory farms routinely confine animals in cramped spaces; often drug and mutilate animals; and deny animals fresh air, sunlight, exercise, and any opportunity to satisfy their natural instincts. In response to this, former Chief Rabbi of Ireland Rabbi David Rosen has written, "The current treatment of animals in the livestock trade definitely renders the consumption of meat as halachically unacceptable [not kosher]." Other rabbis, while agreeing that animals should be raised and slaughtered in humane ways, do not agree that such meat is forbidden.

Other Jewish values favor vegetarianism. Judaism advocates treating the environment respectfully, while animal agriculture squanders water, energy, land, and other resources. Judaism holds that human life is sacred, and we should diligently care for our health. Since animal-based foods can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, we should move towards a plant-based diet. Judaism encourages us to share our bread with hungry people. Yet, the inefficiencies of animal agriculture waste grains and lands that could be used for staple crops, thereby depriving hungry people of food. In summary, although Judaism does not mandate vegetarianism, many Jewish teachings support the diet.

Islam

The most holy Islamic writings are the Quran and the Hadith (sayings) of Prophet Mohammad, and the latter includes, "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself." All but one of the 114 chapters of the Quran begin with the phrase "Allah is merciful and compassionate." Muslims also consider the Hebrew Scriptures holy, and therefore Muslims share with Jews the teachings against cruelty to animals. Both the Quran and the Hadith of Prophet Mohammed provide dietary laws that are similar to those of Judaism (Quran 2:172).

It appears impossible for a faithful Muslim to consume meat produced by the cruel methods of factory farming. Biographies of Mohammed have described the prophet's love of animals and his opposition to cruelty. The Quran states, "There is not an animal on earth, nor a flying creature flying on two wings, but they are peoples like unto you." (surah 6, verse 38). Mohammed taught, "A good deed done to a beast is as good as doing good to a human being; while an act of cruelty to a beast is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being." (Mishkat Al-Masabih) Muslim theologian Al-Hafiz B. A. Masri, noting the cruelties of Western food production, has called the flesh "sacrilegious meat." (Animals in Islam, p. 23)

Islam also teaches that people should only eat healthy foods. Numerous studies have shown that the products of modern factory farms, high in fat and laden with hormones and antibiotics, harm one's health.

A distinctive element of Islam's mystic branch called Sufism has been its call for compassion. The great Sufi M. R. Bawa Mahaiyaddeen appealed to Muslims to reflect on the meaning of slaughter. When describing Islamic slaughter (qurban) in his Ninety Nine Beautiful Names of Allah, he said that the knife-bearer should "… look into the animal's eyes, he has to watch the tears of the animal, and he has to watch the animal's eyes until it dies – hopefully, his heart will change." (Section 182)

Christianity

Christianity, based on Judaism, prohibits cruelty to animals. Jesus' central teachings involved love, compassion, and mercy, and it is hard to imagine Jesus looking upon contemporary factory farms and slaughterhouses and then happily consuming flesh.

Jesus often challenged people by including everyone within his circle of compassion. He embraced all people, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, profession, social status, or medical status. Although the Bible does not describe Jesus addressing the question of eating meat, many Christians throughout history have believed that Christian love ultimately calls for a vegetarian diet. Examples include Jesus' first followers (the Jewish Christians), the Desert Fathers, Turtullian, Origen, St. Benedict, John Wesley, Albert Schweitzer, Leo Tolstoy, and many others.

Jesus was much more concerned about the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law. He embraced theocentrism, which holds that everything comes from and belongs to God. Like Jesus, Christians hold the Hebrew Scriptures as sacred, and Christians can affirm, as the Psalmist said, "The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made" (145:9). In the face of massive suffering of animals on factory farms, dwindling natural resources, and environmental degradation, Christian principles all point towards vegetarianism. Leading evangelical author Tony Campolo has noted, "Being a vegetarian does have benefits for a hurting planet with limited resources." (How to Rescue the Earth, p.181)

Christians have always striven to minister to poor and hungry people. However, today the inefficiency of meat eating works against that ministry. In the United States 66% of the grains are fed to animals being raised for slaughter, wasting most grains' calories and proteins. Ron Sider of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary has observed, "It is because of the high level of meat consumption that the rich minority of the world devours such an unfair share of the world's available food." (Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, pp. 43-44).

Ironically, Sider has added, by greedily devouring so much grain-fed animal products, we are damaging our own health. (p. 44) The New Testament obligates Christians to protect their health. For example, 1 Cor. 6:19 declares that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and Christians regularly interpret this as a call to healthful living. Knowing the deleterious effects of animal-based foods on human health, Christian principles favor a plant-based diet.

Mormonism

Mormons believe that God offered new revelations to Joseph Smith in the 19^th Century, and subsequent true prophets have presided over Christ's church on earth. Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-29 notes that people should be righteous in all things and "do good," including activities not commanded by scriptures. Therefore, Mormonism encourages righteous behavior, which presumably would include kindness to animals.

Mormonism condemns killing animals unnecessarily: "And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need." (D&C 49:21) Mormonism does not require vegetarianism, but it does discourage eating animals unless necessary:

12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine. (D&C 89:12)

In other words, Mormons should only eat animals when non-animal foods are unavailable, and even then they are to consume animals sparingly.

The Bahá'í Faith

The Bahá'í Faith was founded by Bahá'u'lláh in 19^th Century Persia. Bahá'u'lláh encouraged compassion for animals, and he wrote, "Burden not an animal with more than it can bear. We, truly, have prohibited such treatment through a most binding interdiction in the Book. Be ye the embodiments of justice and fairness amidst all creation. (Most Holy Book, 187) Similarly, `Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'u'lláh's son, wrote, "it is not only their fellow human beings that the beloved of God must treat with mercy and compassion, rather must they show forth the utmost loving-kindness to every living creature. For in all the physical respects, and where the animal spirit is concerned, the selfsame feelings are shared by animal and man."

`Abdu'l-Bahá also wrote, "Ye must not only have kind and merciful feelings for mankind, but ye should also exercise the utmost kindness towards every living creature. The physical sensibilities and instincts are common to animal and man … Sensibility is the same whether you harm man or animal: there is no difference … Therefore one must be very considerate towards animals and show greater kindness to them than to man. Educate the children in their infancy in such a way that they may become exceedingly kind and merciful to the animals."

Regarding meat-eating, `Abdu'l-Bahá said, "Truly, the killing of animals and the eating of their meat is somewhat contrary to pity and compassion, and if one can content oneself with cereals, fruit, oil and nuts … it would undoubtedly be better and more pleasing." (Bahá'í National Review)

    Reverence for and protection of nature is a central Bahá'í tenet, which a plant-based diet generally supports.  Bahá'u'lláh said, "every time I turn my gaze to Thine earth, I am made to recognize the evidence of Thy power and the tokens of Thy bounty." (Prayers and Meditations of Bahá'u'lláh)

Conclusion

Vegetarianism has been a common thread among the major world religions, even if only a minority have adopted the diet as an expression of their faith. For many people of faith, vegetarianism reflects the Golden Rule: Christianity – "So, whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them" (Matthew 7:12); Judaism – "Do not do unto others what you would not wish to be done to yourself – that is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary" (Babylonian Talmud); Islam – "No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself"; Bahá'í Faith – "Blessed is he that preferreth his brother to himself"; Taoism – "Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain, and your neighbor's loss as your own loss"; Hinduism – "This is the sum of duty: do naught to others that which if done to thee would cause pain"; Jainism – "A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated"; Buddhism – "Hurt not others with that which pains yourself."

With factory farming torturing animals on a scale unprecedented in human history and with the growing environmental crisis threatening human civilization, the wisdom of the world's religions to respect nature and all its inhabitants has become much more than an expression of ideal behavior. It has become a global imperative.

This essay was written by Prof. Gene Sager of Palomar College and revised for the Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians by the SERV Writing Committee.

Representative Books

Keith Akers. The Lost Religion of Jesus

Rynn Berry. Food for the Gods: Vegetarianism & the World's Religions

Philip Kapleau. To Cherish All Life

Stephen R. Kaufman and Nathan Braun. Good News for All Creation

Andrew Linzey. Animal Gospel

Al-Hafiz B. A. Masri. Animals in Isla

Vasu Murti. They Shall Not Hurt or Destroy

Norm Phelps. The Dominion of Love

Norm Phelps. The Great Compassion: Buddhism and Animal Rights

Evelyn Eugenia Pritchard. Health Eternal

Lewis G. Regenstein. Replenish the Earth

Steven Rosen. Diet for Transcendence: Vegetarianism and the World Religions

Steven Rosen. Holy Cow: The Hare Krishna Contribution to Vegetarianism and Animal Rights

Richard H. Schwartz. Judaism and Vegetarianism

David Sears. A Vision of Eden: Animal Rights and Vegetarianism in Jewish Law and Mysticism

Michael Tobias. Life Force: The World of Jainism

Paul Waldau. The Specter of Speciesism: Buddhist and Christian Views of Animals

Kerry Walters and Lisa Portmess (eds). Religious Vegetarianism: From Hesiod to the Dalai Lama

Representative Web Sites

General: www.serv-online.com

Taoism: www.ivu.org/history/east/china.html

Hinduism www.flex.com/~jai/articles/hinmeat.html

Jainism www.angelfire.com/co/jainism/

Buddhism www.veggiedharma.org

Judaism www.jewishveg.com

Christianity www.christianveg.com

Islam www.islamveg.com

Mormonism www.vegsource.com/articles/catano.htm

Bahá'í Faith bahai-library.com/?file=warwick_kindness_animals

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VEGETARIANISM IN RELIGION

THE BAHÀ'I FAITH

" Regarding the eating of animal flesh and abstinence therefrom, know thou of a certainty that, in the beginning of creation, God determined the food of every living being, and to eat contrary to that determination is not approved."

~ Selections from the Bahá'í Writings on SomeAspects of Health

BUDDHISM

…ALL MEATS EATEN BY LIVING BEINGS ARE OF THEIR OWN RELATIVES.

~ Lankavatara Sutra (Tripitaka No. 671)

CAO ĐÀI

... The most important thing is to stop killing... because animals also have souls and understand like humans.... IF WE KILL AND EAT THEM, THEN WE OWE THEM A BLOOD DEBT."

~ Teachings of the Saints, About Keeping the Ten Precepts – Abstaining from Killing, Section 2

CHRISTIANITY

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them.

~ 1st Corinthians 6:13, Holy Bible

"And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague."

~ Numbers 11:33, Holy Bible

CONFUCIANISM

"All men have a mind which cannot bear to see the sufferings of others. The superior man, having seen the animals alive, cannot bear to see them die; having heard their dying cries, HE CANNOT BEAR TO EAT THEIR FLESH".

~ Mencius, King Hui of Liang, Chapter 4

ESSENES

I am come to end the sacrifices and feasts of blood, and if ye cease NOT OFFERING AND EATING OF FLESH AND BLOOD, the wrath of God shall not cease from you.

~ Gospel of the Holy Twelve

HINDUISM

"Since you...cannot bring killed animals back to life, you are responsible for killing them. Therefore you are going to hell; there is no way for your deliverance."

~ Adi-lila, Chapter 17, verses 159-165

"He who desires to augment his own flesh by eating the flesh of other creatures lives in misery in whatever species he may take his birth."

~ Mahabharata, Anu. 115.47. FS, pg. 90

ISLAM

ALLAH WILL NOT GIVE MERCY TO ANYONE, EXCEPT THOSE WHO GIVE MERCY TO OTHER CREATURES.

~ Prophet Muhammad, Hadith

Do not allow your stomachs to become graveyards of animals!

~ Prophet Muhammad, Hadith

JUDAISM

And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood*; I WILL EVEN SET MY FACE AGAINST THAT SOUL THAT EATETH BLOOD*, and will cut him off from among his people.

*blood: meaning "flesh"

~ Leviticus 17:10, Holy Bible

JAINISM

A true monk should NOT ACCEPT SUCH FOOD AND DRINK as has been especially prepared for him INVOLVING THE SLAUGHTER OF LIVING BEINGS.

~ Sutrakritanga

TAOISM

Do not go into the mountain to catch birds in nets, nor to the water to poison fishes and minnows. Do not butcher the ox that plows your field.

~ Tract of the Quiet Way

SIKHISM

Those mortals who consume marijuana, flesh and wine - no matter what pilgrimages, fasts and rituals they follow, they will all go to hell.

~ Guru Granth Sahib, page 1377

ZOROASTRIANISM

"Those plants, I, Ahura Mazda (God), rain down upon the earth,to bring food to the faithful, and fodder to the beneficent cow."

~ Avesta, Venidad Fargard 5-20

TIBETAN BUDDHISM

The offering to the deities of meat obtained by killing animate beings is like offering a mother the flesh of her own child; and this is a grievous failure.

~ The Supreme Path Of Discipleship: The Precepts Of The Gurus, The Thirteen Grievous Failures, Great Guru Gampopa

"Everybody knows that vegetarian diet is good for health and to save the planet. They will be awakening their own great, compassionate, loving, self-nature. And then their level of consciousness will rise up automatically. And they will understand more than they ever did. And they will be closer to Heaven than what they are right now."

“Teach us, O Lord, the disciplines of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work.”

2011-04-21T01:39:00.000-04:00

The above Peter Marshall's quote is reflects my feeling today. Today is my son's third birthday. I decided to take the day off and take both my three year old son and my four year old daughter to the Shirdhi temple. My daughter today at the temple really tested my patience by throwing a big tantrum. Although, I was being very calm and kind to her as I spoke with her, and I am sure the devotees at the temple would have thought that I am a saint, I was boiling inside. I was so upset with her, but my smile and tone did not reflect my inner feelings.

As I was driving them home, I had trouble calming myself down. I recited the Gayatri mantra, aumkaram and reminded myself of many great stories that reflect good moral skills. However, it took a great effort to calm myself down. Later in the day, I narrated the situation and my feelings along with the thought process to my husband and asked him if he notices this trait of mine? He mentioned that only thing he could comment on is my impatience at times. I was surprised that instead of getting upset about this comment of his, I was very calm.

Just before I went to bed, as I write this I realize that impatience is what made me angry this morning. I still need to work on these small incidences that press my buttons. I remember a Zen story about this archer–

After winning several archery contests, the young and rather boastful

Champion challenged a Zen master who was renowned for his skill as an

archer. The young man demonstrated remarkable technical proficiency

when he hit a distant bull's eye on his first try, and then split that arrow with

his second shot. "There," he said to the old man, "see if you can match that!"

Undisturbed, the master did not draw his bow, but rather motioned for the

young archer to follow him up the mountain. Curious about the old fellow's

intentions, the champion followed him high into the mountain until they

reached a deep chasm spanned by a rather flimsy and shaky log. Calmly

stepping out onto the middle of the unsteady and certainly perilous bridge,

the old master picked a faraway tree as a target, drew his bow, and fired a

clean, direct hit. "Now it is your turn," he said as he gracefully stepped back

onto the safe ground. Staring with terror into the seemingly bottomless and

beckoning abyss, the young man could not force himself to step out onto the

log, no less shoot at a target. "You have much skill with your bow," the

master said, sensing his challenger's predicament, "but you have little skill

with the mind that lets loose the shot."

As I reflect back of my day today, I realize that I lost my patience with my daughter due to my ego. I was feeling embarrassed by my daughter's behaviour at the temple. I wanted her to calm down and behave with a good mannerism . So, for my angry thoughts, I was the reason. It was not my daughter's behaviour.

As a one Wiseman said - "With love and patience, nothing is impossible."

“It is astonishing what force, purity, and wisdom it requires for a human being to keep clear of falsehoods.”

2011-04-18T00:42:00.000-04:00

The above quote is from Margaret Fuller. I completely agree with the quote. All these years I thought knowing wisdom and reading spiritual books and knowing of all teachings makes me wise and better person. I felt or thought that I practiced the teaching I read and heard. However, I this project made me realise that it takes a lot of practice and effort to be pure.

This reminds me of a Zen story I read –

"The Zen master Hakuin was praised by his neighbours as one living a pure life. A beautiful Japanese girl whose parents owned a food store lived near him. Suddenly, without any warning, her parents discovered she was with child. This made her parents very angry. She would not confess who the man was, but after much harassment at last named Hakuin.

In great anger the parents went to the master. "Is that so?" was all he would say. After the child was born it was brought to Hakuin. By this time he had lost his reputation, which did not trouble him, but he took very good care of the child. He obtained milk from his neighbours and everything else the little one needed. A year later the girl-mother could stand it no longer. She told her parents the truth - that the real father of the child was a young man who worked in the fish market. The mother and father of the girl at once went to Hakuin to ask his forgiveness, to apologize at length, and to get the child back again. Hakuin was willing. In yielding the child, all he said was: "Is that so?""

I understand that this is the detachment Gita, and Sathya Sai Baba is talking about. To get to the spiritual growth Hakuin has, seems like a task that is next to impossible. He had no attachment to worldly things he was doing his 'karma' with no attachment and did not have the sense that he is the doer. In fact, he did not defend himself – this is because, he did not think that he was that body. This level of his detachment to the actions (karma) leads to renunciation of reputation. I am not sure if I can ever get to this level of spirituality?

However, when I look at my progress tally chart, I find that I am somehow improving. It is mastering the mind I have a bit of trouble. As I write this line, I am reminded of one of Sathya Sai Baba's quotations. He said to see God in everyone. If I see God in everyone, I will not have any emotion to them or their actions such as, anger, and ego. I feel that I need to reminded of this quote over and over again. I remember a Zen story of a holy master.

Word spread across the countryside about the wise Holy Man who lived in a small house atop the mountain. A man from the village decided to make the long and difficult journey to visit him. When he arrived at the house, he saw an old servant inside. "I would like to see the Holy Man," he said to the servant. The servant smiled and led him inside. As they walked through the house, the man from the village looked eagerly around the house, anticipating his encounter with the Holy Man. Before he knew it, he had been led to the back door and escorted outside. He stopped and turned to the servant, "But I want to see the Holy Man!"

"You already have," said the wise-old man. "Everyone you may meet in life, even if they appear plain and insignificant, see each of them as a Holy Man. If you do this, then whatever problem you brought here today will be solved."

I realize that everyone, and every situation that I am faced in life with is a learning experience. God also, can appear in any form and in any situation to enlighten us. So, today as I write this I pledge to keep this in mind, whenever I am faced with a challenging situation that questions my integrity of thoughts words and deed , including Actions and Character.

Does happiness reflect pure thoughts?

2011-04-12T23:37:00.000-04:00

We meet many people in our lives and they all impact us on different levels. The Gita tells us to do our duties truthfully without any attachments. The moment we have expectation and take ownership for our actions, we get attached and this attachment will impact our thoughts, actions, character, and ultimately our happiness. It is one thing to know, and one thing to practice this. As I noted down my progress on a daily basis, I realized that it was not an easy task stay detached of the actions, never mind keeping the thoughts pure. I mastered to keep at least my other areas of the watch under controlled. This is my twelfth day and still I am having trouble controlling my thoughts. My thoughts are full of emotions such as, anger, frustration, impatience, sadness etc. Happiness is very rarely present. Yet, I look happy and buoyance outside to others.

Is this dual personality possible? Is it normal? How can one be two different people at the same time? This self-auditing process makes me wonder who this is this person? Do I even know myself as I claim? This is a mystery.

We all play different roles in our life. I play at least six different roles in my life. A Mother, wife, daughter, niece, friend, daughter in law, sister, sister in law and an employee. In each of these roles I have responsibilities to full fill. These responsibilities require put me in different situations which require me to be calm, responsible, organized, pleasant and true to myself. When these responsibilities can be demanding and at that time can cause me to fell many emotional Rolla-coasters which are everything but happiness. Yet, I look and sometimes feel happy while burying these negative feelings behind me.

How do I feel and really feel happy without having to suppress these negative feelings? Krishna in Gita and Sathya Sai baba say, that happiness is within you and these negative feelings are just your thoughts and attachments to people objects and actions. Hopefully, with time and practice I can master this.

Watching My Thoughts

2011-04-09T21:50:00.000-04:00

This is the ninth day of my W.A.T.C.H project

W.A.T.C.H		Meaning
W	Watch your Words
A	Watch your Actions
T	Watch your Thoughts
C	Watch your Character
H	Watch your Heart

All these years as I read books after books on Sri Sathya Sai Baba's discourses, I was under the impression that I have his teaching in my heart and I am practicing them. However, this project made me realise that it is not an easy task. Our mind and heart may feel that since we read these spiritual discourses and know about them, we are model human being. But, when we really try to watch our selves is when we realize, knowing and actions are two different things. In order to practice our values we need to have our thoughts, feelings and actions in unity.

Sathya Sai Baba said – "Think before speaking. Think before acting. Then go ahead If you feel good about it." This project really made me stop and think when I was about to do any action.

Today my day at work was an eye opener. My work as many of yours can be stressful, but it is not an excuse to lose your cool. I am known as a happy, patient, tolerant and a positive person at least at my workplace. Today however, I almost lost that reputation on a personal level. One may ask, how can you lose your reputation on a personal level? I would not have lost it if I was not following the W.A.T.C.H program.

Yes, I have been successful in maintain my Words , Actions, Character and Heart in check, however, watching my thoughts was not an easy task. I was being this saint on the action and words level, even in heart. But, my thoughts were running wild. This one co-worker was really testing my patience and I wanted to just tell her off! But, my heart said no and so I watched my actions, but I did not know how to keep my thoughts sacred. This almost makes me wonder if everyone who seems nice outside honestly has their thoughts pure as well? I read somewhere that - Thoughts of envy, worry, anger and hatred enter the mind, and cheerfulness vanishes. To maintain a "smiling face" we need to focus our attention only on the good qualities around us.

After pondering about this shortcoming of mine for rest of the day I decided to I need to see positivity in everything and that could help my thoughts be pure. But, I do see positivity in everything!, a voice in me said. Do I? Then why can't I control my thoughts? A quote by Buddha comes to my mind. "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves." I really need to bring my thoughts under control. If the thoughts are not pure then there is no point in keeping the words and actions in check. If the thoughts are not pure, then the Character is not really pure.

My Idol And The Values He Portrays

2011-04-01T01:56:00.000-04:00

I spent most my childhood with my grandparents since, my both my parents worked. Both my grandparents, especially my grandfather were great story tellers. My grandfather was fond of teaching my hindu prayers and stories. He told me a great deal of Ganesha and Shiva stories. All of them had a great meaning and a moral in them. Lying was a forbidden thing to do. God didn’t care much for the kids who did not speak the truth. He backed that by little stories that made a lot of sense to me.

As I grew up he would relate to me stories such as Mahabharatha, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana etc. He helped me with school homework and any issues that I had in my life at that age. I felt more comfortable speaking to him about my day to day activities than anyone else. He was one of the calm and understanding human being I have ever come across. In the twenty one years I had known him, I have never seen him get angry or raise his voice at anyone. He was full of love and lived a simple life.

My grandfather had a nice sense of humour with which he made everyone laugh and forget their sorrow. I learned many life lessons from him. Whenever, I was down or didn’t get what I wanted or expected in school, he always said, “Failures are the pillars of success.” Whenever, I cried that I couldn’t bear whatever life threw at me, he was always reminded me that God will never give you something that you cannot handle. I never saw him un happy or worried. He always gave me the strength to look at life in a positive manner. My grandfather was an exemplar of love, right conduct, non-violence, peace and truth. He is my idol.

How do the principles of Educare relate to self-transformation?

2011-03-18T00:13:00.000-04:00

According to the founder of the program – Sathya Sai Baba - Learning does not begin with formal schooling and end some time after secondary school or university.
Rather, it is taking place all of the time. Sathya Sai Education places great emphasis on self-discipline, self- sacrifice, and selfless service to the community as means to self- transofmration. The adage, “ Help Ever, Hurt Never,” is fundamental to the Sathya Sai Service Organization. Recognition of the inherent divinity in all human beings leads to the attitude that one is serving himself or herself when an act of service is performed. This will eventually, help one to transform him or her.

Educare is to understand that here is an inherent holistic inter-relationship among all human values, elements of creation, all domains of human capability and all aspects of Nature. Human values are latent in every human being, one cannot acquire them from outside. Therefore if we know the tools to elicit from within, self-transformation can be attained. As explained by the founder if the five human values are practiced using the five ‘D’s – devotion , desciplein, duty, discrimination and determination and the tools ceiling on desires, prayers or group singing, community service, good company, reading spiritual literature, meditation and soft speech, transformation can be attained. The role of the educare is to assist or help one to learn how to use these tools.

My thoughts on SSEHV

2011-03-08T16:02:00.001-05:00

I was introduced to Sathya Sai Baba and his teachings at a fairly early age. However, I was not fortunate enough to get immersed in the SSE program. I did not get the chance to go through the SSE program. But, I was lucky enough to join the youth group at the age of sixteen and learn the human values via reading his discourses.

By God’s grace I was born into a very traditional Hindu family who always put a great emphasis on devotion, prayers and right conduct. However, although my family was aware of Sathya Sai Baba, they were a bit ignorant to know more about him and his teachings. I went to an all-girls Hindu school back in Sri Lanka, and never had the will to attend the Sai Bhajans that took place in my school every Thursday evenings. My private music teacher’s family was an ardent devotees of Sathya Sai Baba and I never had the urge to find out more about him. In 1988, during the school shivratri program, my music teacher invited me to sit through the Sai Bhajans that were taking place in another auditorium. That was my very first Sai Bhajan session. I was a seven year old little girl then and I felt a sense of peace and happiness. Years passed by and I started to attend the bhajans once in a while, only because some of my friends were Sai devotees and attended the bhajans. It was an excuse for me to meet my friends. My family was happy to send me, as they felt it was a good discipline. However, they did not feel the need to attend with me.

However, eventually we moved to Canada and years passed by. In 1996 October, one of my friend asked if I’d like to participate in a drama. She aware that I was fond of dancing and acting.
Since, I already knew of Sathya Sai Baba and youth group, I agreed and joined the youth group. We performed a play on Buddha for his birthday that year. I felt at home when I attended youth meetings and service projects. Around December, I came to know that Sathya Sai Baba is having his first world youth conference and had invited the world to attend. As a Saadhana, my family together with me decided to give up meat. It was his will that my whole family decided to visit Puttaparthy and which meant I also had the chance to attend. That was my first visit and seeing him in person changed something in me. Since then I slowly saw myself transform. I was interested in learning more about him and his teachings. I saw myself become more active at centre, and more alert and discipline in school work. As a teenager, I was a lot more conscious on the decisions and choices I made. It was the values I learned from him guided me in the right path. I always felt that he was my inner voice helping me make decisions.

As any teenager or young adult, I also had my moments of rebellions with parents. At those times values and teachings I learned helped me realize myself.

I am thankful to God that I was introduced to SSEHV, in my teenage years than later. Those are the crucial years that help one decide their life path. Although, Sathya Sai Baba introduced him to me in early years of my life, my Karma did not allow me to get to know him better till I was 16 years old. If I had been introduced to SSEHV, I am sure that I would not have made the mistakes I did in my early life. I would have been a better and obedient child and a student.

SSEHV Course Day one reflection

2011-02-28T01:03:00.000-05:00

1. Role of mother Easwaramma.

After asking Swami to build a hospital, Easwaramma asked Swami to build a school for the village students. Swami did build it and Easwaramma would enjoy visiting it.

2. If I was exposed to SSEHV earlier in my life…

I am thankful to God that I was exposed to the EHV in my late teen years. However, I didn’t have the opportunity to have gone through the human values education in my childhood period.

If I had been exposed to SSEHV in my early years –

· Human values would have been rooted in my daily life.

· I could have avoided certain choices I made in life.

· Childhood would have been a better experience.

· I may have been a better child to my parents.

· My academic performance may have been much better.

3. Does SSEHV have a place in the Canadian Education (School) system?

If we have the WANT and if Swami (God) has the WILL and then yes SSEHV DOES have a place in the Canadian Education System.

There are examples of how it is working in Alberta. Also, handful of schools has embraced Character Education. I believe, if teachers can slowly make a difference in their classrooms and bring awareness to the school, then it can be slowly but surely integrated.

THE INVISIBLE ARMS

2010-06-21T10:31:00.001-04:00

A beautiful story I came across --

Bill was a meticulous potter. His craftsmanship with clay was reputed well beyond his immediate neighbourhood.

The pots that were moulded by him were of very high quality, giving the meals cooked in them a special aroma. While stored food remained fresh for several days, the plants that were sown in Bill’s clays pots grew healthier and more beautiful.

Aware of the miraculous properties, most people would insist on buying pottery that was shaped by Bill alone.

When asked what made his pots so distinctively special, Bill would shrug off saying there was no secret at all. All he did was to remember God and pray for His blessings before commencing work on any piece, whether a pot, vase or cup. Bill said God was his helper in all his work.

A typical day of the potter would start early in the morning, when most others were still in bed. Bill would laugh and say he preferred to have a headstart on his day as God would have more time to help him, before the others woke up and vied to seek His attention and grace.

Bill had a five-year-old son who had been taught to start the morning and end the day with a prayer. The child was also inculcated with the habit of seeking the grace of God before beginning any work for it to progress smoothly and efficiently.

One day, the boy woke up earlier than usual. Bill was already at work when his son appeared at the doorstep of his workshop - sleepy, barefoot, and dressed in a white, long nightshirt.

The father noticed the early guest and said with a smile on his face: “Good morning, son! Have you already said good morning to God?”

Rubbing one eye and in a drowsy voice, the boy replied, “Not yet.”

He then asked, “Why should I do this every single morning and evening and why do I need to pray to God for help before I do anything?”

“God is the closest, the fondest, and the most reliable companion. He is present everywhere, at all times. He is the richest and most powerful guardian but, yet we ignore Him. The Lord is here, near, loving, accessible and affectionate, but many of us do not open our eyes to this great opportunity. And how can we get closer to Him? Just by repeating His Name with feeling and devotion from the heart.”

Bill went on to finish working on his pot before he said in a calm voice, “Come to me! I will show you why this needs to be done.”

The boy ran to his father and crept into his lap.

The father took a piece of clay and put it on the wheel.

“My son, do you see this piece of clay?”

“Yes,” said the child.

“Clay is energy; it is the life that God gives to each one of us. At the time we are born, every person is given a piece of clay and everyone decides on one's own what he or she will create out of this piece of clay.

One may choose to make his or her life into a nice graceful vase, while someone else would prefer to mould it into a wine jug or an ash tray. There are so many possibilities to make something out of a simple piece of clay! What would you make, my son?”

The boy excitedly answered, “I would make a nice vase!”

“Aha! So, take this piece and create a vase,” said Bill.

The boy stretched out his right leg to touch the lower wheel to set the throw rotating. He could hardly reach it and pushed with all his force. The wheel was heavy and rotated very slowly. The boy immersed his hands into the water placed next to the wheel and put his little hands on the piece of clay.

He tried to follow the same process that his father would. But the wheel turned too slowly and the clay squeezed through the boy's fingers and a vase that the boy intended to make remained unmade. The child tried once, twice, thrice….a fourth time and then once more; but after this desperation overwhelmed him. Frustrated, the boy cowered in his father’s lap and started to cry.

He whimpered, “Nothing turns out of what I do. I cannot make a vase out of my piece of clay! I am so unfortunate.”

“God is our father and mother. When you pray for His help, He always will support you. He will turn your wheel of life faster or slower depending on what is needed and help you overcome
all impediments. He will hold your hand and lead you through all your work,
enabling you to achieve what you wish and be happy. He will help
you make what you wish to make out of your life.”

The father fondled the boy’s head and comforted him: “Don’t be upset, my dear! I can help you, if you like.”

The child perked up and eagerly said, “Yes, daddy, please help me. I want to make a vase!”

The boy's father put his feet on the lower wheel and pushed it to rotate. Taking into his arms the little hands of his son, he immersed them into water and put the piece of clay that was rotating on the throwing-wheel. The father held his son's arms, guided his fingers and hands in such a way that the piece of clay slowly began taking the shape of a vase. The throwing-wheel kept rotating fast enough and eventually a small, but proportional vase was born.

Both the father and son working together made a pretty picture. While the child was working his hands around the wheel, the father steadily and surely led him through the process.

When the work was complete, the boy proudly held the vase in his hand that he had intended to make. Now, he embraced his father and said: “Thank you, dad! Thank you! I am so delighted!”

Watching his son indulgently, Bill asked, “Did you understand, my son, why I teach you to pray for God’s help every morning and to thank Him every evening?”

The boy looked thoughtfully into his father’s eyes. Bill then continued, “God is our father and mother. When you pray for His help, He always will support you. He will turn your wheel of life faster or slower depending on what is needed and help you overcome all impediments. He will hold your hand and lead you through all your work, enabling you to achieve what you wish and be happy. He will help you make what you wish to make out of your life.”

Bill now paused and then added, “I wish that the pottery I make brings people pleasure, health, well-being and peace. That is why I always think of God before I start work and pray for His help. I know that when I do that, God puts His invisible arms on my hands and leads the process of creating in the same way as I did today, when I helped you make that vase.”

The boy quietly embraced his father again, and then as if in a hurry, he crept out of the father's lap and stepped towards the door.

Suddenly, he turned back and said, “Thank you, daddy, but I still have something to do. I need to go and talk to God.”

After the child left, Bill smiled to himself knowing that the invisible arms of God will safeguard and lead his son too, and help him shape his piece of clay – his life – into a nice and graceful vase.

Bhagavan Baba says, “God is the closest, the fondest, and the most reliable companion. He is present everywhere, at all times. He is the richest and most powerful guardian but, yet we ignore Him. The Lord is here, near, loving, accessible and affectionate, but many of us do not open our eyes to this great opportunity. And how can we get closer to Him? Just by repeating His Name with feeling and devotion from the heart.”

- By Rita Ivanova, Latvia

Illustration: Mrs. Lyn, New Zealand

Dear Reader, did this article inspire you in any way? Do you have a similar story to share? Please tell us your reflections about this article by writing to h2h@radiosai.org mentioning your name and country. Thank you for your time.

- Heart2Heart Team

God

2010-06-13T11:41:00.002-04:00

A beautiful sayings I came across..

When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems, remember that HE has faith in your abilities!-

When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

Happiness keeps U sweet,Trials keep U Strong,Sorrows keeps U Human,Failures keeps U humble,Success keep U Glowing. .But only God keeps U going !!! .

Our gretest Glory is not in ever falling,but in rising evry time we fall.

True devotion lies in accepting both pleasure & pain with equal.{:-))

* Never take some one for granted,Hold every person Close to your Heart because you might wake up one day and realize that you have lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones."

YOU HAVE COME TO THE WRONG ADDRESS

2010-05-20T10:12:00.004-04:00

An inspiring story I came across...

A Rabbi was delivering lectures on the Torah, the sacred Hebrew scripture, to a few young Jewish students.

One day, in the course of their studies, they came across a line which said, "The truly evolved person is he, who continues to smile in the midst of the greatest of difficulties." The young students had a problem accepting this statement at its face value. "If we are truly in difficulty, how is it possible for us to smile under such conditions?" they asked the Rabbi. The Rabbi took off his spectacles and looked at his young pupils thoughtfully. "To be perfectly honest with you," he said, "I myself cannot answer that question. The truth is that I, too, cannot smile when I am in the midst of difficulties. At such moments I seem to forget how to smile." Silence prevailed in the class, as the teacher and the students pondered over the issue.

The Rabbi continued after a pause, "However, I believe there is someone who can give you the answer."

He proceeded to tell his students of an old man who lived in their city, not far from the synagogue

He had been an abandoned child- an orphan. When he grew up, he had lost both his legs in an accident. His life had been a series of struggles, a saga of pain and suffering.

"And yet," continued the Rabbi, "he always wears a lovely smile! He is a wonderful human being. You must go to him and ask him to answer your question."

The students were amazed to hear of this brave man. In a group, they went and knocked at his door. The door was opened by the man himself, moving briskly in a wheel chair. He welcomed the young students cordially and asked them the purpose of their visit...

"Sir, it's this text we are discussing in Class," said one of them hesitantly. "It's all about how one must smile amidst the greatest difficulties in life.

The Rabbi told us that you were the best person to talk to." "Tell us please, sir," added another. "How do you continue to smile amidst so much suffering and pain?" The old man was genuinely surprised. "I'm afraid you have come to the wrong address", he said. "I am 73 years old, and in all these years, I have never had to face any difficulty. The Lord has always been good to me, and protected me in His mercy. How can I teach you how to smile in the midst of difficulties?" This was a man who lived in close proximity with God!

Illustrations: Varun Vats, SSSU

- Heart2Heart Team

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You can write to us at : h2h@radiosai.org

Spiritual Questions...

2010-05-11T13:06:00.002-04:00

These question and answers were emailed to me few days ago... I just wanted to share them with you all.

Question1: Why are some people born more beautiful, or more intelligent, than others are? Why does not God give everyone equal beauty, abilities and talents?

Sri Sathya Sai Baba: It is not God's partiality or fault. It is the human being who is responsible. His actions, thoughts and words are responsible for all good and bad. It is the mind that creates the differences. Pleasure is an interval between two pains. It is the way you look at things that matters.

There is a vast ocean of talents 7and qualities. All human beings have vessels to fill. Some people, through their actions, are able to fill the vessels to the brim; some fill only half; others can fill only a quarter, or less. They possess intelligence, beauty, talents, and etceteras, according to how much they can fill their vessels.
You even judge beauty these days, as in Miss India, Miss World. But, that is all physical beauty, which is transient. What is important is the beauty of the atma (Self).

Question 2:How are good or bad actions carried into the next birth?

Sri Sathya Sai Baba: Swaasha (breath) carries the actions, for the breath stops when a person dies. The body is still there after death and we call it a corpse and burn it as useless. So, the body cannot carry anything with it, just as a flower cannot carry its fragrance. It is a breeze that wafts the scent of the flower and makes its fragrance reach you. Similarly, imagine a municipal lorry, the breeze carries the bad odour to you again! In the same manner, good and bad actions are carried by the breath and surround you in the next birth like an invisible garland. The pattern of your life is then governed by what the garland has good or bad scent.
That is why man must understand that everything he does has a reaction, a reverberation and a reflection. It is he who writes his own destiny by his actions. It is essential for man to live a good life with good thoughts and good actions. Only through such a life can he realise the divinity in him. The concept Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahma = God) is also incorrect, since it indicates duality. Aham (I) and Brahma (God) become separate. The statement ought to he Aham Aham (I am I).

Question 3:Many people feel that Hindus worship countless gods. How did this happen?

Sri Sathya Sai Baba: India has a wonderful religious tradition. It has something for everyone, to suit everyone's needs. Many people do not understand this excellent idea and make derisory comments on our having too many gods. This tradition has evolved to suit the needs of different people, just as we have shirts of varying types and sizes to fit different people. With the ideal of One God, there is only one shirt and, if it does not fit or if it is unsuitable, people turn away from God. But, here, if someone likes Krishna, they can worship Krishna; others can worship Rama, or Narayana, or Shiva, or even snakes and lions! What more do you need to propagate the idea that God is in everything everywhere? That is why I often say don't worship God as a picture, but worship the picture as God. This will slowly lead to the realisation of God in you. That is where the Hindu spiritual path is practical and good.

Question 4:Why does not God prevent cruelties in the world?

Sri Sathya Sai Baba: God is only a witness (saakshibhoota). He does not act. Man acts according to the dictates of his intellect (buddhi) and himself suffers the consequences of his actions (karma). There is neither good nor bad for God. Take the knife as an example. A murderer uses a knife to kill another man, a slaughterer uses a knife to slay animals, a surgeon uses a knife to amputate, and a cook uses a knife to chop vegetables. If a magnet is placed among all these knives, it will attract them all equally and not according to the kind of tasks they perform. God is like this magnet. All knives are the same to Him. However, the hands that wield the knives have to bear the consequences of their actions, dependent on right and wrong.

Question 5:When we have troubles and are in difficulties and we pray to God, why does He not take them away'?

Sri Sathya Sai Baba: Troubles and difficulties are part and parcel of human life. They are the results of your karmas. There is no point in praying to God to wipe away all such troubles and difficulties. The right type of prayer would be to ask God for courage and strength to bear all the difficulties, problems and tragedy with equanimity.

Question 6: What is the difference between the politics of yesterday and those of today?

Sri Sathya Sai Baba: The present state of affairs can be described as the state of jumps and bumps. Now, take the example of your body and limbs. Each limb is important in forming the composite whole. All the limbs joined together make up the body, which is the deha (body, person). Similarly, in the desha (country, nation), every aspect should be tended to, just as one takes care of every part of the body.

Question7:The view that women should not take ups Brahma vidya (spiritual knowledge), nor chants the Omkara. Is this correct? Also, in ancient times, were spiritual sadhanas (endeavours) forbidden to women?

Sri Sathya Sai Baba: Brahma vidya and chitta shuddhi (spiritual knowledge and purity of consciousness) do not depend on whether a person is a man or a woman. All have an equal right to benefit from Brahma vidya provided only they are able to take it up with discipline and dedication. At no time have there been any taboos against women. Lord Vishnu (the Preserver) taught Bhu Devi (the Goddess Earth) the glory of the Bhagavad- Gita. Parameshwara (Shiva) taught Parvati the Brahma tatva (divine essence) through the Guru Gita. Ishwara (Shiva) initiated Parvati into yoga shastra and mantra shastra (science of yoga and science of mantra). The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad mentions Yajnavalkya teaching Maitreyi the Brahma vidya. So, women in ancient times were not denied the pursuit of spirituality.
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad mentions Ciargi and Maitreyi hasking in the splendour of sannyasa (renunciation) and brahmacharya (celibacy, chastity). Madaalasa Chudaala and others were able to receive Brahma jnana (divine wisdom) while in the grahastha (householder, i.e. married) stage of life. Even today, there are many that belong to this vast category. It is sheer absurdity to deny women the right to earn Brahma jnana. But, in worldly matters, it is necessary for them to maintain certain limitations in the interests of dharma (righteousness) and loka kalyana (the good of the people/world). For the sake of safeguarding morality and for the social health of the world, women have to accept some restrictions. This is not to say that there is any fundamental inferiority in them.
Even pundits acquire their jnana through the reverential homage they pay to the feminine deity Saraswati. The divine patrons of learning, prosperity and wisdom are all feminine: Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati. This should show the reverence paid to women.

Practicing spirituality at home...

2010-04-21T10:31:00.002-04:00

http://twolips.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/alone.jpgWith so many things going on in my life at this point... I sat down to get a hold of myself and think back in time. As I always mentioned, life is full of surprises, twists, turns, ups and downs. Only way to stay together is trying not get attached to anything, respecting everyone. Realizing that everyone is God and respecting is important.

Now comes the question - What about home? family members? Do we need to be detached???

The home is a temple where each member of the family is a moving temple and is nurtured and nourished. The mother is the high priestess of the House of God. Humility is the incence with which the house is filled. Reverence is the lamp that is lit with love as Oil and Faith as wick.

The image is from here

Based on the quote above - the spiritual relationship with the family members will help us have a healthy family life. Love,understanding and most importantly communication is very much important for any family and extended family. I guess with respect to detachment - worldly detachment is important, but spiritually should not be detached.

So what are your thoughts?

Home is heaven when there is Love and understanding and the same becomes hell when there is distrust and hostility. The home and the family is the basic social institution everywhere in the world. When the home improves, the whole world will be better. (From Sai Baba News)

Work and Profit

2010-04-19T13:18:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I updated on my spiritual progress. The truth is I've been so busy with the wordly tasks ( you know the usual, work, kids, work, volunteer work etc).

But, I am looking forward to my trip to India this summer - Spiritual Pilgrimage to Southern India to see my guru. Very excited. Will update you all on this trip and experiences.

Having said that - I want to leave you with a quote from the Guru, -

Work done with no concern or desire for the profit therefrom, purely out of love or from a sense of duty, is Yoga. Such work destroys your animal nature and will transform you into a Divine Being. Serve others, visualizing them as Divine Souls. That will help your progress and will save you from sliding down the spiritual stage you've attained. Service is far more salutary than even vows and worship. Service disintegrates the selfishness latent in you and opens your heart wide. It makes your heart blossom.

This is the basic saying of Bhagavat Gita as well. In this modern world - we seek profit and results without having or wanting to do the work. Such work results in no profit or benefit to us or the others. What do you say?

God is Now Here...

2010-03-31T14:22:00.000-04:00

I came across this expression today -

“God is no where" can remain unchanged; there is no need to confront or contradict
that expression. The only thing necessary is to read the letter "w" in
"where", in conjunction with the previous word "no", so that it
becomes, "God is now here!" The negative suddenly becomes positive!
Similarly, by merely unifying your vision towards God, the distinctions
and differences you see in the world disappear and the many becomes
One. Great devotees from all the religions have realized this truth by
their unwavering faith won through the purification of the mind.
- Divine Discourse, Vidya Vahini.

It is so true - similarly, many issues we face in life can be turned positive by just changing our views on it. Moreover, many individuals are busy trying to prove or not prove the existence of GOD. But that is not the issue in the spirituality.

Values in Life

2010-03-23T14:17:00.002-04:00

I came across this teaching by Sai Baba today - Just wanted to share it with you all :

In the world today, one sees anger, hatred, greed, jealousy, misguided ambition and power seeking. What is the reason for the prevalence of these negative emotions?
It is one thing only: man is lost and is wandering in a jungle where real values have no meaning. Real values can have meaning to man only when he steps on to the spiritual path, a path where negative emotions have no use. The spiritual path is based on the true human values: truth, right conduct, peace, love and non-violence. When man plots a course through life based on these values, which provide a solid foundation, then all the negative emotions fall away. Even if he should stumble on the path, he can easily see the reason for the fall and quickly steady himself and continue the spiritual journey.
Man learns through experience, and the spiritual path is full of different kinds of experiences. He will encounter many difficulties and obstacles, and they are the very experiences he needs to encourage and complete the cleansing process. And when the cleansing is finally complete, the evolved soul ceases to react to anything. All emotions are perfectly balanced. He lives in a state of permanent happiness, regardless of prevailing circumstances.
So long as you continue to react to whatever you experience, you must also continue to look at yourself progressively more closely. Only through self-examination will you be able to see through the negative emotions. You must see them for what they really are: aspects of the lower self attempting to maintain the grip which it has exerted over you for so long.

As you progress along the spiritual path, you should walk hand in hand with God. In whatever form you see Him. God the Ultimate is your guide and helper an He will carry you forward on the spiritual path if only you establish real contact with Him. It is like walking along a path with your closest friend. You can walk in complete silence and your friend, too, will remain silent. Or, you can talk to your friend all the time and learn from him as you go along.
God is that friend and it is up to you to break the silence and bring Him into your life at every moment of the day. God is love, and that is the easiest way to find Him, through love. If you keep your heart open and let love flow, God's love will fill you with divine energy and help you along the path, guiding you to overcome all obstacles. It is a long journey, but it becomes shorter and easier once you share it with the Lord. He knows the path, and will guide you all the way to the very end, to ultimate liberation.

It is beautiful and to the point - So true that we are so confused in this materialisitc world and we've lost the human values.

Can water be affected by our words?

2010-03-18T21:50:00.001-04:00

Following is a beautiful email I received today - just wanted to share.

Can water be affected by our words?

Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese scientist, believes so.

And he has proof.

Dr. Emoto took water droplets, exposed them to various words, music, and environments, and froze them for three hours. He then examined the crystal formations under a dark field microscope. And he took photographs.
The results were totally mind-blowing.
Here’s a photo of ordinary water without any prayer spoken over it. The molecular structure is in disarray.

The photo below is water after the prayer was said. It’s simply breathtaking. (I now have a great respect for praying before meals! More on this later.)

Dr. Emoto also exposed water to Heavy Metal music. Here’s how it looks like. Looks sad if you ask me.

Here’s water exposed to classical music and folk dance music. Looks much better, right?

Next, Dr. Emoto stuck a piece of paper with these words: “You make me sick. I will kill you.” Here’s how the frozen water droplets looks like under the microscope…

Below is how water looked like with the words “Love” over it. The difference is amazing.

This is Polluted water…

This is water from Lourdes , France . Utterly beautiful, right?

Wait A Minute—

Aren’t You Made Up Of Water?

Yes! 72% of your body is made up of water.
Imagine how your words affect your own body.
When you say, “I’m a failure,” or “I’m hopeless,” or “I won’t get well,” imagine how these words weaken your health.
Make a choice to say the best words out there. Say often, “I’m wonderful,” and “I’m beautiful,” and “I’m God’s child,” and “God has a great plan for my life!”
It’s not only water.
Dr. Emoto also experimented with cooked rice.
He placed one cup of cooked rice in two airtight jars. On one jar, he wrote, “I love you,” and on the other, “You fool.” Everyday for 30 days, Dr. Emoto would say these words to each jar of rice.
After 30 days, the “I love you” rice was still white. But the “You fool” rice was so rotten, it was black. How can you explain this?

Just as a side note: When I was a child, my mother taught me to pray before meals. Now I realize it wasn’t just a nice thing to do. When I pray over my meal, I know a material transformation takes place in the molecular level of the food that I pray for. I say, “Be blessed,” to the water and food on the table—and I expect it to be blessed.

Navagraha shloka

2010-03-18T11:30:00.000-04:00

This is for the Hindus out there -
Came across this and wanted to share.

Navagraha shlokam on each graha

Sun (Soorya/Ravi)

Japa Kusuma Samkaasham Kaashya-peyam Mahaa-dyutim
Tamorim Sarva-papaghnam Pranatosmin Divakaram

Sun (Soorya-Ravi) I pray to the Sun, the day-maker, destroyer of all sins, the enemy of darkness, of great brilliance, the descendent of Kaashyapa, the one who shines like the japaa flower.

MOON (CHANDRA)

Dadhi-shankha Tushaarabham Ksheeror-daarnava sambhavam
Namami Shashinam SomamShambhor-mukuta-bhooshanam

I pray to the Moon who shines coolly like curds or a white shell, who arose from the ocean of milk, who has a hare on him, Soma, who is the ornament of Shiva's hair.

Mars (Kuja -Ankarakan)

Dharani-garba-sampootam Vidyut-kaanti Sama-prabham
Kumaram Shakti-hastam tam Mangalam Pranamamyaham (split as Pranamami aham)

I pray to Mars, born of Earth, who shines with the same brilliance as lightning, the young man who carries a spear.

Mercury (Budhan)

Priyangu-kalika-shyamam Roopenaa-pratimam-budham
Sowmyam-sowmya Gunopetam tam Budham Pranamamyaham

I pray to Mercury, dark like the bud of millet, of unequalled beauty, gentle and agreeable.

Jupiter (Guru)

Devanam cha Rishinaam cha Gurum Kanchana Sannibham
Budhi-bhootam Trilokesham tam Namami Brihaspatim

I pray to Jupiter, the teacher of gods and rishis, intellect incarnate, lord of the three worlds.

Venus (Sukran)

Hima-kunta-mrinaa-laabham Daityaanam-paramam Gurum
Sarva-shastra Pravaktaaram Bhargavam Pranamamyaham

I pray to Venus, the utimate preceptor of demons, promulgator of all learning, he who shines like the fiber of snow-white jasmine.

Saturn (Sani)

Neelanjana Samaabhasam Ravi-putram Yama-agrajam
Chchaya-martaanda Sambhootam tam Namami Shanaiswaram

I pray to Saturn, the slow moving, born of Shade and Sun, the elder brother of Yama, the offspring of Sun, he who has the appearance of black collyrium.

Rahu

Artha-kaayam Mahaa-veeryam Chandra-aditya Vimardanam
Simhika-garbha Sambootam tam Rahum Pranamamyaham

I pray to Rahu, having half a body, of great bravery, the eclipser of the Moon and the Sun, born of Simhikaa.

Kethu

Palaasha-pushpa-samkasham Taaraka-graha-mastakam
Raudram-raudratmakam Ghoram tam Ketum Pranamamyaham

I pray to Ketu, who has the appearance of Palaasha flower, the head of stars and planets, fierce and terrifying.

Iti Vyasa-mukhot-geetam Yah Padeth Su-samaahitaha
Diva-vaa-yadi-vaa-ratro Vigna-shantir-bhavishyati

Those who read the song sung by VyAsa, will be joyous, sovereign and powerful, and will succeed in appeasing obstacles, occurring by day or by night.

Nara-naari-nripaanam cha Bhavet Do:swapna-naashanam
Aishwarya-matulaam tesham Aarogyam Pushti-vardhanam

Bad dreams of men, women and kings alike will be destroyed and they will be endowed with unparalleled riches, good health and enhancing nourishment.

Graha-nakshatraja Peeda Taskaragni-samudbhavaha
Taa-sarvaa-prashamam-yaanti Vyaso-bhrute-na-samshayaha

All the pain, devastation caused by fire, planets and stars will be of the past, so spoke VyAsa, emphatically.

Iti Shree-Vyasa virachitam Navagraha stotram sampoornam.

Thus ends the song of praise of the nine planets composed by Vyasa.

Where to find God

2010-03-18T01:19:00.000-04:00

Today I came across this quote -

"You find God the moment you realize that you don't need to seek God" Source: The Power of Now : A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, Page: 122

We are always in search... searching the materialistic things and searching for God as if he is separate from us. We forget or do not believe that we are part of God.... Some of us do meditation... what is the purpose? what are we trying to achieve / accomplish? Through meditation we try to understand God, speak to God and understand ourselves? What do we understand about ourselves? - That God is within us - We are Him / Her .... Indians say "God is Hirudaya Vaasi" God lives in our hearts. That is why many religions say - "See God in Other living beings" - God lives in every living being.

Therefore, we need not seek God... we need to understand ourselves, seek us... in order to understand or find God.

Self Transformation

2010-03-16T02:49:00.000-04:00

"Transformation" is the hottest word in town. "wardrobe trasformation", "Kitchen transformation", "Living room transformation" etc... etc... Recently, the "Self Transformation"..

What is transformation? - Transforming from one thing to the other. "Self Transformation" is also a fundamental goal of the Buddha's teaching, an essential part of his program for liberation from suffering. Self transformation is about changing this lower consciousness, characterised by delusion, greed, and aversion (to use the example of the Buddhist kleshas, or you could mention Catholic seven deadly sins or anything else), to one distinguished by Gnosis and Empathy

Self transformation might be said to be distinguished by four elements, the Map, Path, Guide, and Practice.

I was listening to a talk today - a particular section in it caught my attention.... In order to understand God or to understand anythings - we have to become it... We have to transform ourselves to that....

Love is the way...

2010-03-13T18:00:00.000-05:00

It is our nature to expect everyone to respect and love us. As humans we believe we own everything and every body owes everything to us. But, in all this, we forget that we must see "Love" in others in order for them to see " Love" in us.

The quote ...

“What you would desire others to do for you, you should do for others. You should respect others, as you want to be respected by them.”

Comes to my mind. When we start to see "God" / "Love" in everyone and start respecting others, what we expect from others will automatically come to us. Life is a two way street.. not One way.....

This is something came to my mind when I sat down quietly today.

Just wanted to share..

Life is a challenge - meet it.

2010-03-12T01:34:00.002-05:00

In my last post I wrote about happiness and how you get happiness in your life depends on your choices. In other words, if you learn to see the half glass full- instead of half empty you can find happiness. Ironically, within couple of days I myself faced these challenges. Many spiritual leaders talk about 'ceilings on desires' - yet we are to dream... and aim for the stars to succeed in life. They also say - 'Make life worthwhile by doing service, useful and productive work to the society.'

But, to aim high and shoot for the stars don't you have to dream also? Isn't that NOT ceiling your desires?, I am not sure.... Another thing I've come to realize is that... anything and everything in this world requires money and power. Anything and everything you aim or desire to do requires money. The world has become very materialistic. Even if you want to volunteer your time to do good - that also requires resources - ie money! :(.

Conclusion -->Time = Money.

Anyways, after analyzing all this - I came to a conclusion... that I need to follow my own thought or advise. How do I make this situation I am in positive? My idea is to serve and do something positive to the society. The Guru - whose teachings I follow and listen to once said - "If the cause is noble and the outcome is pure - Go ahead... God will be with you to help"

My cause is noble - and the outcome will be pure... but at present I am facing obstacles which are caused by materialistic / resource shortage. How do I deal with this? I am stuck!..

Another quote by Sai Baba comes to mind.

"Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it."

Life is full of challenges and one has to meet and win over these challenges in his / her relentless struggle to realize life’s dreams. These challenges are not external but projections of the limitations and negative instincts of one's own self.

All action results from thought, so it is thoughts that matter. ....- My thought is pure......

What matters is to live in the present, live now, for every moment is now. It is your thoughts and acts of the moment that create your future. The outline of your future path already exists, for you created its pattern by your past.

So, realize and decide to create my past that is the future past positive and shape it by giving it all I got within my power with love and strength, hopefully the future is the pure outcome I expect.

10 Guidelines from God

2010-03-11T07:33:00.001-05:00

This is something I recieved via email - very touching and beautiful...

Effective Immediately,
please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. Please, follow these 10 guidelines

1. QUIT WORRYING:
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME:
Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE:
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME:
I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH:
I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE:

You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time.. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry.. Share your faith with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND:
Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF:
As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget.......

Happiness....

2010-03-09T23:20:00.000-05:00

"You have it in your power to make your days on Earth a path of flowers, instead of a path of thorns.”

Today as I was reading Sai Baba's quotations I came across this one. So true, life is full of events and what we make out of it is in our hands. Having eternal happiness is also in our hands. We have the tendency to blame others and other things for our sadness - No, an event or person or thing can't bring us joy or sadness, it is us, how we perceive things, matters, people bring us feelings. Our joy is in our hands. Such a powerful but true statement.

From a different angle - Life is full of choices, Life is full of duality... Good / Evil, Happiness / Sadness, Nice / Not so nice, Right / Wrong. The choice is ours.

A simple thought

2010-03-08T02:18:00.000-05:00

A post from Hindu Blog

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa – A Simple Thought

Once a sage was lying by the roadside deeply immerged in Samadhi. A thief, while passing by that way, saw him and thought: ‘This fellow here must be a thief. He must have broken into some houses last night and is now sleeping through exhaustion. The police will be very soon here to catch him. So let me escape in time.’ Thus cogitating, he ran away.

Soon after, a drunkard came there, and seeing the sage, said, ‘Hallo! you have fallen into the ditch by drinking too much. Eh! I am steadier than yourself and am not going to tumble down.’

Last of all there came a sage, and realizing that a great saint was lying in the state of Samadhi, sat down by his side and began to press his holy feet gently.

- Our worldly tendencies prevent us from recognizing true holiness and piety.

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Faith Vs Trust

2010-03-07T23:55:00.001-05:00

I had an uplifting day today. Went to hear a talk by Mr. Dato Jegatheesan who had come from Malaysia. He is one of the leaders of Sai Organization, and a dynamic speaker. What interested me most is that he was also once like me questioned everything and anything about life and God. I also liked his approach on life and how he explained everything with reasons.

Dato’ J. Jegathesan was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1944. Dato’ is a title conferred by the Malaysian Monarchy to honor prominent citizens, similar to the title Sir, conferred by the British Monarchy.Jegathesan was also an agnostic because no one could answer the question, “where is God?”. He used his charm, devastating humour and silver tongue to slash the religious beliefs of his family and friends. June 1976 was a turning point in his life. He had a profound spiritual experience and he began to read about religion - Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Taoism, the major religions of Malaysia. Guided and motivated by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and HIS urgings that a HINDU MUST BECOME A BETTER HINDU, A CHRISTIAN A BETTER CHRISTIAN, etc. HIS call for Service to Humanity and Unity of Faiths, his living room became an Inter Faith shrine.

In his talk today, he mentioned that he wanted to start a project for youths - called HOPE - meaning
Honour Ones Parents Everyday. He went on to talk about how the today's youth get merged in media and materialistic life and forget the beings who brought them to this world. I also believe that in order to understand on self spiritually, it is important to respect elders and parents. When we start doing this automatically we become humbled and undertake humility.

He also spoke about Faith & Trust / Surrender... Many of us call ourselves as we believe in God and God will save us from whatever problems we are facing. But, when put our faith or trust in God to a test, how many of us will pass this? He narrated this interesting story to illustrate his point.

A man who is an ardent devotee of God and who is always looked up by the spiritual and religious organization once went hiking and accidentally slipped and fell. Luckily he held on to a branch at 1000 ft high. With no hope he starts to pray to God - " Oh God, please help me, as a honest and truthful devotee of you, I pray to you.".. Well, God heard his prayers and replied, " My dear son, let go of the branch and as you fall down I will hold you in my arms and save you"... ..
So what do you think the devotee did? .... he looked down and then looked up and asked God " Are you kidding me? , stop joking, where the rope? throw it!"....

WEEKLY KNOWLEDGE

2010-03-07T02:03:00.000-05:00

This is something I received on my email and wanted to share :)

WEEKLY KNOWLEDGE

BACK TO SPACE

From time to time the earth shakes and in its shaking wakes up the man who is in slumber, who not only misuses

Nature but puts his faith in bricks and mortar. Your true security is in the Self not in bricks and mortar.

Perhaps this is what Nature wants to convey to you. Earthquakes, floods and volcanoes all drive

home the truth that nothing

is permanent and you cannot find security in that which is not permanent.

They all come to you as a shock and wake you up.

When such calamities occur we try to understand their cause so that we can blame someone.

Strangely, when you find someone to blame you feel comfortable,

but with natural calamities you cannot blame anyone.

It comes to you as a shock. With wisdom, shocks can make you grow in leaps and bounds.

Without wisdom a shock can only lead you to negativity and depression.

Q. Why should nature destroy small innocent children?

A. Nature just does its job. It does not discriminate between young and old.

Do you think that all those who eat bamboo shoots and eggs or pluck flower

buds are not compassionate maybe, maybe not!

Instead of questioning Nature, wake up and see the opportunity for seva (service).

Wisdom is to consider the earth as your Valentine.

Whether it shakes or breaks, it is dear to you.

You always see good coming from it.

The four elements, other than space, create turbulence from time to time.

If you depend on them for support, they will shake you and lead you back to space.

Finding security in inner space is spirituality.

Desires and Depression

2010-03-07T01:38:00.001-05:00

Well after my breakdown on Karma and Life on (March 3rd) - I've learned whatever it is life must go on.. and so it has...
My quest on Karma - I have been listening to the speech by Suki Sivam on Bhagavat Gita. There he explains about Karma and what it is to perform actions without attachments to the outcome. Trust me I tried doing that these past two days and it is not easy.
Explains... why we go through depression... Depression is a feeling you get when you don't receive what you expect isn't it?

"Ceilings on Desires" is very important I think...

Life and choices...

2010-03-03T01:27:00.000-05:00

I had an interesting day today. A day filled with roller coaster of emotions, unexplainable emotions. The incidents that happend today reminded me of my past. Not so long ago past, about the five years ago past. The discourse I listened to " Present is the product of past and future is the product of present", Swami's discourse. I kept hearing it all day today at work, while driving, and home.

So there, having that taken out of the system - What is Karma again? Confused ...

Okay, so I make a mistake... a choice few years back - because, you were young and stupid and thought you can buy the whole world. But now you know it is a mistake and stupid and willing to make amend with it and make it right. But NO, it is there to haunt you and make you feel terrible - " It is your fault!, you did this, and you have to hear this for rest of your life"....

Is this what meant by present is the product of past? so you are never forgiven and you will never get a second chance? Is that fair?

I read somewhere that -

Karma can be divided into four parts called Sanchita Karma, Prarabdha Karma, Kriyamana karma and Agama karma.

Sanchita karma: is the sum of all past actions performed in this lifetime and past lives.
Prarabdha karma: is the part of sanchita karma which is going to be experienced during this lifetime.
Kriyamana karma: is what we are currently creating through our choices right now. It is our creativity that is unfolding, it is our "free will".
Agama karma: is the actions that we are planning for the future. Actions that will or will not be achieved depending on the choices (free will) that we are making now and those that we have made in the past.

So what I am going through is due to my Sanchita Karma? - ... Hopefully, I'll get a clear grip on this...

Life is very interesting, full of choices and effects they make. Hope I feel better and find a solution to this feeling I have at the earliest.

What is Karma?

2010-03-02T00:31:00.000-05:00

What is Karma? I have a hard time understanding this. No matter what I read or what I listen. I always feel that I have a good grasp of this and then at times it doesn't make any sense and I am back to square one. Well, my question has always been - If what we are reaping is the product of the past or due to the past 'Karma' we did. Then why don't we remember the past? so at least we know why we are going through what we are going through and we 'learn' from our past or mistakes we did so that we will not make the same mistake again?.

I know there is a better and more profound explanation to my question.. and I just need to find it. and hopefully, one of you or some of you may be able to answer my question and enlighten me :)

There are many definitions to Karma - Karma is actions, ie - Good karma is good actions and Bad karma is bad actions. Some say - Karma is simply the process of cause and effect. If you do A, B will happen. If you plant tomato seeds, and water and look after them, tomatoes will grow.

I do have other questions -

How does Karma influence our life?
Karma Vs Destiny? How do we explain this?

Sri Rudram and Chamakam

2010-03-01T02:13:00.000-05:00

Well, today is my fourth day since I'd started my "spiritual saathana".... I've decided to learn to meditate and try and study the or listen to the "Rudram". So everyday I have been listening to "Rudram" and learn it.

Rudram is a hyme devoted to 'Lord Shiva'. The hyme is in two parts - first part is known as the 'Namakam' and the second is the 'Chamakam'. Namakam is asking Lord shiva to forget his fierceful look and become peaceful and bless us. Chamakam is listing the number of blessings we got from praying to 'Lord Shiva', and asking him to bless our lives. Below are the audio files.

Sri Rudram mp3
Chamakam mp3

Vedha's are so pure and listening to the above chantings gave me a different experience that is beyond words to describe. As I mentioned in the previous posts, it is very difficult for me to sit and meditate. I day dream and think about a lot of irrelevant things and fool myself. Interestingly, when I was listening to the above chantings ( only Sri Rudram, I haven't started listening to Chamakam), I was in a different state - at least I think. I wasn't day dreaming as I used to. I should correct my self - I wasn't day dreaming as much as I used to. Let's see how well I do in future...

Here is a document explaining the meaning of Sri Rudram and Chamakam.

Sri Rudram with Translation and Interpretation

Life , God and Universe...

2010-02-24T23:44:00.000-05:00

I am sure that I am not the only one questioning the life and everything that we see... " What is life, what is universe? what is the begining and ending of all this? ... What is God? What is Super Natural? Where did we begin? How did we begin? etc.. etc...

Every religion has one thing in common - that is there is God, he / she is omnipresent and nothing but love. From what I understand - according to Hinduism, we are all part of God. In that what is meant by self is the " inner self" or known as " spirit, Athman".... The "Athman" is part of God and it has no birth or death. Also, when we meditate - according to many school of thoughts meditation is concentration - concentrating on something / some object. However, I was listening to a lecture on Bhagavat Gita - in that the speaker explained meditation from a different point of view which was interesting. He said -

When we pray - we talk and God Listens... But
When we Meditate - God talks and We Listen...

Well, how does all this tie into the questions I was asking before? -
What is life?
Well in Hinduism, there is not just one purpose of human life, but four:

Dharma - fulfilling one's purpose
Artha - prosperity
Kama - desire, sexuality, enjoyment
Moksha - enlightenment

I'll try and learn first and then explain these in another post : )

what is universe? what is the begining and ending of all this?, Where did we begin?, How did we begin?
Hindu religion is the only one of the world’s great faiths dedicated to the idea that the cosmos itself undergoes an immense, indeed an infinite number of deaths and rebirths. This is better explained in this post (Source)

What is God?

As I mentioned before, all religions beleive that there is God and form and method of worship differs religion to religion. In general Hinduism considers God not just as the Supreme All-powerful Gigantic One. For Hindus God, as is, is beyond any attributes of form, color, shapes ... That is, God does not have any specific form or name. In this state God is referred to as nirguNa brahman (attributeless god). However God takes forms as perceived by humans and this perceived form is called saguNa brahman (god with (good) attributes). These forms could range from calm to fierce to yogic (1). Each form has its significance. For example when one is depressed and sees the form of God Strong and Powerful, the seeker feels the moral boost that God would definitely be the support for the right thing. ( source )

Well in my point of view - If God is part of Athman... then He / She is within, within me... So in order to understand God - I need to Understand myself... Correct?

Well, that is what I am trying to understand with this blog - As I learn and understand I'll share my experience with you all ( whoever is reading ) this blog... It is a form of Discipline for my self :)

Well... till my next post - live , love and enjoy life....

Do you really meditate?

2010-02-19T01:00:00.000-05:00

Whenever you hear a talk on spirituality, spiritual upliftment etc, there is always a talk on meditation. Meditation, "Meditation is a holistic discipline by which the practitioner attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. " - this is according to Wikipedia. Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual or psychophysical practices that may emphasize different goals—from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.

To me , meditation is relaxing, thinking of nothing, feeling within, deep relaxation and understanding oneself. But how to do this? Mind is a mad monkey - I have tried several times to meditate and ended up sitting still quietly, eyes closed, but, all I was able to understand is whats for dinner? What to do next? or some type of day dreaming. Yes, all I do is day dream while meditation. Mind you, don't mistake - in my opinion meditation is a great way to relax and understand oneself - just because I haven't mastered this, doesn't mean it is not a great tool to gain spirituality.

There are many gurus and sages of different discipline have taught and used meditation to gain divinity. Buddhists say - The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, we will be free from worries and mental discomfort, and so we will experience true happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful, we will find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions. Sathya Sai Baba, the Indian guru, teaches his devotees - the So-Ham meditation, the repetition of the Name, and the Meditation on Light. Soham means I am God. So is That (God) and Ham means I. Meditation on Light -
This is sometimes described as The 'Most Effective Form of Meditation'

I have tried the meditation of light several times and personally, this is the only meditation I was successful, and able to concentrate.

Here is how to do the Jyothi Meditation ( Meditation of Light) Source

Based on Sathya Sai Baba's step-by-step directions.

Jyothi (flame) Meditation is the foremost spiritual discipline geared towards gaining inner peace.

1) We should have a fixed time and place every day where we sit for meditation either in the morning and/or evening.

2) We should sit on a thin mattress for this exercise. The sitting pose or asana should be comfortable both for our mind and body.

3) We should then chant Omkar, the Universal Mantra glorified as 'Nada Brahma' at least 3 times but preferably 21 times. The mind under the influence of this divine sound slowly loses momentum and becomes more and more tranquil and steady.

4) The next step is to put the breath in rhythm. The easiest and the most effortless method is to watch the breath, thereby the process becomes normal, that is, longer and calmer. When we inhale, the breath sounds 'So' and when we exhale, it sounds 'Humm' which means 'He' i.e. "God" and 'I' respectively or "God am I".

5) Accordingly, synchronizing with these two breaths, imagine that the flame 'Jyot' is within us. Feel that the light of the flame is in our heart, right in the centre of the Lotus. Gently move the light to other parts of your body -- the stomach, the limbs, the eyes, the ears and the tongue. Feel that the entire body is illumined thereby. Rejoice that the light is the light of love; it removes hatred; it dispels darkness and doubt; it reveals that all are Divine.

6) As the light fills the eyes, you must feel that they have been purified. They shall no longer seek to look upon evil sights. When the light lights the tongue with love, decide that there is no more scope for uttering harsh words. Similarly, once the radiance of the divine light bathes the arms, they can no longer delight in performing harmful deeds while the feet can no longer move into polluting areas and places.

7) Now visualize the light as surrounding our physical body and spreading far out to family members, neighbours and even those whom we do not like. Every object is enveloped in that divine effulgence. Isavaasyam Idam Sarvam. All this is illumined by God. This is the stage of bliss.

8) In this manner, the ONE flame on which we concentrate can cleanse our mind and body and spread its light and radiance to include our entire environment.

9) Finally, take the Jyot on to the figure of our Ishta Devta or the Deity of you choice and/or fix our vision on the Jyot, and commence meditation or silent sitting for a few minutes, followed by Japa of our chosen Mantra with the full understanding of its meaning and firm faith in its power and benefits. It should be inter-woven with our breathing process of inhaling and exhaling.

Okay now , if you are reading this post -
Have you meditated? Do you meditate? Share your story. :)

New Entry...

2010-02-18T10:58:00.000-05:00

Hello world,

Finally, I have decided to start this blog on a subject that is very close to my heart. I do not consider myself very religious or spiritual - However, this very topic really intrigues my mind. I hope by writing this blog I can better understand my self and spirituality.

Well - thats it for now.

Spiritual Life

Is there such thing as Selfless Service?

The spirit of selfless servicefrom a talk by Swami Nirliptananda

The fifth in a series of Swami's discourses on the Bhagavad Gita.

Vegetarianism and the Major World Religions

“Teach us, O Lord, the disciplines of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work.”

“It is astonishing what force, purity, and wisdom it requires for a human being to keep clear of falsehoods.”

Does happiness reflect pure thoughts?

Watching My Thoughts

My Idol And The Values He Portrays

How do the principles of Educare relate to self-transformation?

My thoughts on SSEHV

SSEHV Course Day one reflection

THE INVISIBLE ARMS

God

YOU HAVE COME TO THE WRONG ADDRESS

Spiritual Questions...

Practicing spirituality at home...

Work and Profit

God is Now Here...

Values in Life

Can water be affected by our words?

Navagraha shloka

Where to find God

Self Transformation

Love is the way...

Life is a challenge - meet it.

10 Guidelines from God

Happiness....

A simple thought

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa – A Simple Thought

Faith Vs Trust

WEEKLY KNOWLEDGE

Desires and Depression

Life and choices...

What is Karma?

Sri Rudram and Chamakam

Life , God and Universe...

Do you really meditate?

New Entry...

The spirit of selfless service
from a talk by Swami Nirliptananda