EVEN THERE IS CHANGE INDUCED BY THE MOTHER NATURE, THEN HUMANS CANNOT CHANGE THEMSELVES
Whence change is needed inevitably It has to be embarked on effectively Otherwise change will take place certainly In fact, willy-nilly And change the very course of our journey. We humans are fortunate to be endowed With typical power so distinctive By the Absolute One To distinguish between two opposites And select the one course Suited for us Or undertake course correction Whenever there is need to do so as constraint Owing to change in circumstance Or change in time and space. Those who remain stuck In the status quo Or remain inflexible For them change does happen But not to their liking.
WHY AFRAID OF A CHANGE?
We all are aware of the changes in the seasons sometimes it is hot and other times it is cold, day changes into night and vice versa, trees shed their leaves and new ones sprout, serpent changes its outer cover and adorn the new one. Everything in Mother Nature changes periodically without any interruption then why humans with characteristics of distinction (freedom to choose between two opposites) cannot change, as fundamentally required!
CHANGE IN THINKING NEEDED IN SCARE OF MICROWN INFECTION
In not so distant past, we were scared of Delta+ variant and today we are hugely scared of MICRON for its ability for airborne transmission. And tomorrow, its name and character may change too. When this process of mutation of the virus goes on and on then what is needed is to change our own thinking. Let the virus change its tag character, with accompanying ferocity, we too will have to change by inculcating will to survive with every sort of scare surrounding us. All the humanity has suffered due to coronavirus, physically, mentally, financially etc/ then what essentially is required is to inculcate or generate immunity by changing our lifestyle, keep ourselves healthy by regular exercises or through Yogic practices, take proper diet including adopting spiritual orientation in our lives. Enjoy your duty, decouple or detach ourselves from the scares while observing all the Covid-19 pandemic precautions. In other words, if Coronavirus keeps changing its character through multiple mutations then we’ve also to change ourselves according to the need of the hour. Since in such unpredictable situation, the correlation between: ‘survival of the fittest along with ‘will to survive’ should be our two keys as symbol of hope. Staying calm and composed despite looming fears is the only option in such situations. Otherwise also, life in itself is uncertain, therefore, enjoy the uncertainty, affirmative even in gloom & doom situation!
PASSING FROM ONE STAGE OF LIFE TO OTHER IS A NATURAL OBSERVABLE FACT
IF MOTHER NATURE CHANGES WHY NOT HUMANS?
As we grow and pass from one stage of life to another one, we naturally experience change. This is a natural corollary and we cannot resist this change. It is not in our hands though what sort of life we want to live is in our hands.
CHANGE OF PLACE DUE TO JOB REQUIREMENT
Change may be from our familiar place to a place hitherto unfamiliar or seemingly out of the ordinary for us. If it is necessary, then perforce, we’ve to go and be adaptive to the change. For instance, when transfer is necessitated due to service requirements then you are constrained to accept change. Otherwise you’ll have to face the consequences for non-compliance. There is no alternative but to follow the orders – albeit change.
WE HAVE TO RESPCT NATURE THEN ONLY WE CAN GET ITS GOOD DIVIDENDS
CHAND IN MINDSET
Interestingly, people with negative mindset can shed their negativity and imbibe good habits and attitude. Those who are steeped in poverty work hard thus change their lifestyle. With belief in our own capabilities and belief on our Creator, we can do wonders. On the other hand, if we love status quo in our attitude and behavior pattern then we’re constrained to suffer ultimately. We know how Kauravas’ (In great Epic Mahabharta) suffered ultimately as they maintained stoic inflexibility towards Pandavas despite sagacious counseling by Lord Krishna.
THERE IS HIDDEN FEAR SURROUNDING THE CHANGE IN OUR MINDSET
Though through change we undergo necessary transformation in our attitude, behavior pattern, way of thinking etc. yet we resist change because we are afraid of unpredictable impact the change may bring about to our psyche.
BAGGAGE OF NEGATIVITY HAS TO BE REMOVED FOR PEACE OF MIND
If we want serenity and peace of mind, we have to empty our mind with the baggage of negativity in the form of anger, greed, bitterness, animosity, hypocrisy and deceit, jealousy etc. For change to be effective, we require our sincere efforts, perseverance, eliminate the mental blocks which resist changes in our attitude. But honest beginning could make difference though resisting change amounts to resisting practical changes is synonymous with resisting everything and anything in life.
WE SHOULD ALWAYS ACCEPT THAT NATURE CAN REMOVE HURDLES FROM OUR PATH – READ THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF NATURE
MERELY STAYING POSITIVE IS NOT THE SOLUTION, WE’VE TO BE PRACTICAL TO FACE THE CHANGE
It should also be noted that when we are encircled with uncertain situation, mere staying positive will not do us any good. We’ve to experience the uncertain situation and seek solution to come out of the quagmire we’ve created for ourselves. By so doing, we can have confidence to face and come out of any situation we are willy-nilly put in future. Mere bravado of positive attitude will not help us steer clear of our predicaments. Will to fight and come out unscathed will do a world of difference. It should always be remembered that stress, fear, rigidity etc. are our enemy number one and these reduce our life span.
ENJOY UNCERTAINTY
UNCERTAINTIES CAN BROWBEAT US BUT WILL TO SURVIVE STANDS THE TEST OF TIME
In essence, we become skeptical at every conceivable occasion. We just think that something bad will happen to us when in differing situation and condition. We suspect that something unpredictable will happen without even comprehending the exact scenario. When we come to know about the precise scene, we see something different. Meaning that we were have wrong perception. We can go with some presumption but that presumption should not always be negatively oriented since our accumulated knowledge could also come to our rescue while traversing into the strange situation or places. We should rather enjoy traverse into the strange territories with a feeling of certainty and if there is suspicion, confront it, fearing change will hardly deliver us of the problem.
NEVER HAVE DEFEATIST ATTITUDE
To alleviate the fear of change, nobody but an individual can help himself/herself. No soothsayers or any other person can help us. Such a person can only direct us to follow a particular path but we ourselves have to travel through that path. If we take charge of our thoughts and emotions then the fear of a change will evaporate in thin air.
THE ATTITUDE, BE HAPPY AND CONTENTED
Those who endeavour to face all the challenges with steel will power, here and now, and not putting anything for tomorrow, they steer clear of any obstacle. It seems incredibly mystic but it is true when we take one step at a time with self-assurance, we can easily overcome any change which may take place in future too. But it should never be forgotten that when we can solve our problem brought about by change with self-belief then why to turn the same into tension or when we can fix a problem in relaxation slowly but surely then why to put things off to make the problem more off-putting. We have to learn to get pleasure from change rather than let the change effect us physically and mentally.
HAPPINESS & PEACE OF MIND COMES WHEN YOU ENJOY NATURE & ITS BEAUTIES
We all need money for our sustenance. How much money we should have depends on our needs and the way we live. The role of money cannot be undervalued. But anyway how much money we need which provides us satiety depends on our lifestyle we are living. There are people who love to live lavishly and there are the ones who lead a simple way of living based on the dictum. Cut your coat according to your cloth. If you take more than what you can chew, it may harm you. Then there are the ones who would spend what they earn without saving for the raining days. Besides there are the ones who live beyond their means thus fall into debit trap.
LURE OF GETTING RICH INSTANTLY
There are the people who want to be rich instantly and indulge in adopting devious means such as gambling and other corrupt practices to showcase their acquired money power. Such people realize their folly when they fall into debt trap after they have lost every penny of theirs. In many cases some take money on very high rate of interest thus become bankrupt. There is a case of one enterprising engineer who wanted to become rich in one day lost lacs in one sitting, that too taken on exorbitant rate of interest. His monthly payment was not sufficient to pay back even the excessive rate of interest thus became penniless ultimately. His excessive desire to become rich instantly became the cause of breaking the entire family too. He was not able to support his family besides he was not able to pay tuition fee and sundry expenses of the family. His discomfiture compounded when his parents drove him out of their home. His wife and son are living at their parental home presently. Such is the lure of becoming rich instantly when we adopt ulterior methods of becoming prosperous without hard work. Also, we should never forget the downfall and ultimate doom of Kauravas at the hands of Pandavas due to the greed of Dharyodhana for possessions, as given in great detail in Epic Mahabharta.
LIGHT OF BLISS DAWNS FROM WITHIN US BY CARING AND SHARING
HUNTING WORLDLY POSSESSIONS BY CORRUPT PRACTICES
It has been observed that hunger for anything including worldly possessions and lures for outer attractive obsessions lead us astray and ultimately become a cause of our disgraceful downfall. It is relevant to mention the profound truth: Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live. Bbible.
DISTANT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MONEY WE POSSESS AND HAPPINESS WE GET
There are people who are always after accumulation of money. Sometimes they lose their very identity and even the very purpose for which they are here on this beautiful earth while hunting in the quest for money. This shows that there is distant connection between how much money we possess and how long one can experience the joy and bliss. In other words, the pain and stress and strain one gets for accumulation of worldly possessions outgrows the happiness it can earn for us. In the early morning, while I was going on a walk, I came to know about the death of a person due to heart attack at the age of 40 years. Further I came to know that the person concerned devoted all his energies in earning money. He wanted to be crore-pati though with his hard work. Yet, in his keenness to earn more and more, he could not attend to his health related issues thus the ultimate consequence!
THERE IS JOY OF FEEDING EVEN THE BIRDS, ANIMALS & HUMANS WHO NEED OUR ASSISTANCE
HAPPINESS RESULTS WHEN WE RENDER HELP TO THE NEEDY
True happiness factors in when we bring happiness to others. Personal happiness comes when we alleviate the pain of others. Real happiness comes when we bring cheer and smile to others by caring and sharing. The real happiness is the byproduct of endless services we render without any expectation in return. This will also keep us free from ‘’I’ and ‘mine’ mindset thereby earning for us eternal joy and bliss which cannot be exchanged anything tangible.
HAPPINESS HAPPENS WHEN WE SEE THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
MONEY MAY HELP US ACQUIRE LUXURIES OF LIFE BUT NOT PEACE AND JOY In essence, if we seek happiness in worldly possessions, it may help possession of luxurious goods for showcasing to others along with appeasing our senses but it will not bring us mental peace. In Bhagwad Gita it has been said: Happiness derived from a combination of the senses and the sense objects is always a cause of distress and should be avoided by all means
GOD’S LIGHT AS CONNECTIVITY IS ATTAINED THROUGH MEDITATION & BY DELVING INTO THE INNER SELF
CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN THINGS WHICH COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER
It is a fact that when we have a deep desire for anything then every element of the universe associates in assisting us for getting our desire fructified. For example, for shelter we seek a home and for hunger we need food, for love we seek for a lover etc. There is in fact connectivity between different things which complement each other. Similar is the case with seeking God with a deep desire. It has deeper meaning and everything around is connected to help connect Him for us.
A COMPETENT MASTER GUIDES US HOW BEST TO CONNECT WITH HIM
NEED OF A COMPETENT MASTER TO ASSIST US IN GOD’S CONNECTIVITY
Sometimes we need the assistance of knowledgeable person who shows us the correct path which makes our journy facile. . For example, if we want to get our computer rectified, we require the services of a service provider, in the same way we require the services of a Competent Master to assist us in our endeavour to make our task easier for God’s connectivity. Such a venerable personality helps us how best to meditate for connectivity with the Absolute.
FOR GOD’S CONNECTIVITY WE NEED NOT GO AFAR
Sant Kabir, a mystic, poet and saint of 10th century who influenced the general masses has very rightly said:’ Mujh ko Kahan dhunde re bande main to tere pass re’ meaning where are you seeking me O man, I am nearer you. When we seek Him outside of ourselves, He remains elusisive but when we seek Him within our own self then He is found within shortest span of time.
A SIMPLE PATH TO SEEK GOD
LOVE OF GOD IS ETERNAL WHICH CREATES CLARITY IN EVERYTHING WE TRANSACT
In essence, it has been observed that the simple path (the saral marg) is the best path because the boundaries and limitations we have created just evaporate in thin air and we get connected with Him with ease. Factually, we are not apart from our God. This idea originates when we have identity crisis. We can never be disconnected from God even when we have forgotten ur ource. Any path is good enough to know him but we should never forget that we are not separate from Him. The path which I simple to understand and follow is the best for us.
PATH OF GOS’S CONNECTIVITY PURITY BODY, MIND AND SOUL
Further, there are three paths to connect with our inner self OR CONSCIOUSNESS
YOGA MARGA
This path gives intuitive power, the capability of pure-self and paranormal power. The person concerned does not need anything when one gets such knowledge – knowledge of pure spirituality. Following the path of Yoga sincerely, a Jnani learns to be disciplined, learns the traits of self-restraints, self-control including the traits of balance and repose. It infuses the traits of SAT CHIT & ANANDA – representing truth, consciousness (awareness) and bliss which are special in every way.
IF WE TAKE ONE STEP WITH LOVE OUR GOD TAKES TEN IN RETURN FOR US
YOGA OF BHAKTI (MEDITATION), BHAKTI YOGA THROUGH DEVOTION
The more sincere we are in our meditation, the quicker we attain the connectivity with God. There are some things which are to be kept in mind if meditation has to be purposeful. First of all we have to enure purify of our body and mind, adopting our spiritual discipline (through our Guru or Competent Master) but our own sincerity in our meditation or prayers counts a lot.
GOD’S CONNECTIVITY GIVES US ETERNAL ENERGY AND EVER LASTING PEACE OF MIND
JNANA YOGA (YOGA OF KNOWLEDGE)
Jnana Yoga is the Yoga of Knowledge (This is not for intellectual pursuit) but knowledge of Brahman and Atman (Soul). Here the Jnani (follower) follows the dictates of heart and the power of mind is used to know the difference between real and unreal, what is permanent and what is impermanent etc.
YOGA OF KARMA
When we transact all our thoughts and action without any attachment to the outcome of our action or fruits of our action and that too without any expectation. While performing any task, if we want to enjoy our work, we simply should go about it with all the knowledge we have gained or seek assistance if and when required of a competent master while following our mission accomplishment.
INFORMATION REVOLUTION
We all are aware that science and technology has brought in its wake information revolution. The information which was considered as a dream in the past has turned into reality before our eyes. We can get the required information by the click of internet network. But there are some questions for which answers still are elusive.
LIGHT OF GOD REMOVES DARKNESS OF IGNORANCE FROM OUR MIDST
OUR INNER SELF IS THE SOURCE OF WISDOM
The exact source of wisdom cannot be accessed through or known through network. This information is dormant in the deeper recesses of our ourselves. This information could be attained through logging into our inner self through deep contemplation. By so doing, we can access the source of our wisdom which can, in turn, be made applicable in our daily life experiences. By accessing into our soul, through meditation, we can get a vast reservoir of wisdom. One of the best thing about this is that the wisdom could be accessed and attained anytime and anywhere. But one thing which is essential for this is our sincerity in our meditation.
WE GET REFRESHING PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE THROUGH SELF REALIZATION
The knowledge we get from our ‘self’ or consciousness’ is God connectivity from where we can know which is needed to be known and hitherto unknown to us. It is with a completely refreshing perspective on life with no mystification whatsoever. Such is the clarity provided by our soul connectivity which helps eclipsing every cloud pervading and help bestow us peace, equinity, a deep sense of love and a life of irresistible joy. Through meditation, we gain a feeling of balance at all occasions with tinges of warmth in our heart at all times. This could only be unraveled through a key termed as sincere meditation.
THE SELF REALIZATION IS THE GOAL WHICH EVERYBODY ASPIRES
INNER CONNECT TO GET HUGE RESERVOIR OF ENLIGHTENING KNOWLEDGE
In essence, we can tap the wisdom within us by inner connect. We have a huge reservoir of enlightening knowledge, a knowledge which is insightful and enlightening. This knowledge cannot be exchanged with anything in this material in this world of ours. All this could be achieved by sincere meditation by getting rid of senses which remain interfering.
(OUR HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS TO ALL ON GURU NANAK DEV JI’ MAHARAJ)
The Founder of Sikhism & The First of the Sikh Gurus
GURU NANAK DEV JI’S LIFE SPANS FROM 1469 – 1539 A.D.
History is the guide to enlighten us that during this period many of the spiritualistic, cultural and progressive ideas inevitably came to the fore and fructified owing to the constructive approach and positively oriented teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. These preaching are more relevant now than ever. These insightful messages had deep-rooted influence on the lives of general masses. One thing most common and unique in these messages is that these are practical and realistic touching the lives of multitudes. These were easy to understand and are not based on mysticism and ritualistic in orientation. In many of his thoughts and deeds, during his journey to various parts of India and even in foreign lands shed light on his insightful and unambiguous philosophy that AKALPURAKH – SAT NAAM SRI WAHE GURU is the only TRUTH – a Truth which could be proved anywhere anytime by anyone and everyone.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on 15th April 1469 at Rai Bhoi-di-Talwandi of Shekhopura, presently in Pakistan. He was married to Sulakhani the daughter of Shri Mool Chand of Pakhoke Randhawe village of Gurdaspur and had two sons named Shri Chand and Lakhmi Das.
THE GURUJU’S BLESSINGS BECOME A RAY OF HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS PEOPLE
Guru Nanak Dev Ji defines the traits of Divine Lord as: There is but One all-encompassing and all-powerful Divinity, who manifests Himself first in the shape of all sacred words and then through the whole created Universe:
Ikk Oankar, Sat Nam,Karata Purakh,Nirbhau,Nirvair,Akal Murat,Ajunee Saibha Bhaug Gur Parsaad.
(There is one Supreme Being, the eternal reality (true name), the Creator, without fear, devoid of any enmity, immortal, never incarnated, self-extent – known by the grace of Guru).
This is also termed as the Mool Mantra and bestows us eternal peace and tranquility.
Divine Lord also is: The One who was real and self-existent before all Creations, who was real through all ages (Yugas), who is real and true now and who shall be true and self-existent for all times to come. (Aad Sach, Jugaad Sach, Heibhee Sach Hanak Hosee bhee Sach).
GURU NANAK DEV JI MAHARAJ
What an incredible event, a holiest one at that To commemorate and heartily celebrate! Than the birthday of our most venerated one – Guru Nanak Dev Ji The most loved one, who traveled most extensively When there was not much communication and connectivity Bereft of transport any facility Not only to all corners of India, in its entirety But also to the foreign countries Like Sri Lanka, China, Iraq and so many other foreign lands And wherever he kept his lotus feet Along with his two disciples so disciplined One Muslim named Bhai Mardana Ji
GURU NANAK DEV JI WITH HIS DISCIPLES BHAI MARDANA JI & BHAI BALA JI
Born to Marasi couple named Badhra Ji & Lakkho Ji And the other one a Hindu named Bhai Bala Ji Both being the longtime disciples of Guru Ji They traveled far & wide to spread the Divine Message so brilliantly With regard to love without bias to the humanity Against the rituals being followed traditionally So extensively. The respected Guru Ji had discourses and interactions With Saints and Sufis of all shades And presented his viewpoints Giving all the reasoning and logic And changed the eco-system wherever he put his Lotus Feet.
On the most auspicious full moon day – Pooranmashi At a village named Rai-Bhoi-Di-Talwandi Now known as Nanakana Sahib In the month of Kartik 15th day of April in the year 1469 When our most revered Baba Nanak Ji was born To father Baba Kalu & Mother Tripta No one but our beloved Akalpurakh (God) Knew his observable mission for this Special Messenger Of spreading ‘EK NAAM’S’ pious Message And that such a person will make huge difference For causes most dear to the society in general Indeed a Shining Star on the horizon was born! Of the Sikhs & the ones who believe in (Khalas) purity Way of living now or in future with certainty Gurupurb lasts for three days A pious Akhand Path in all Gurudwaras With organization of Nagar Kirtan Procession (Kirtni Jatha) is led by Pious Fives (Panj Piyaras – the Beloved Ones) With Holiest Sri Guru Granth Sahib kept on the Palanquin Hymns from It purifies the environs the most Spreading Its Message – the most fragrant Far and wide making the gentry mesmerized Gatka Parties displaying their artistry With their traditional weapons.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, our most revered Guru Ji An embodiment of Supreme Being A harbinger of deliverance From our pains and sufferings Through His gems of teachings A Messiah who made a huge difference In our viewpoints on spiritual values And showed a precise path to the humans By meditating on Divine Name – EK NAAM With all the deepest devotion Thus got rid of all pervading ignorance With his teachings, so enlightening indeed So simple to follow by ordinary humans even.
His birthday is celebrated as Prakash Utsav or Guru Purb In essence, life is a festival (Utsav or Purb) of highest order A Day of immense value for us all For self-realization through love, faith and total devotion.
Besides rendering assistance to the fellow beings without any expectation And gain knowledge about the Divine Truth for our liberation By realization of Divine within By union with the Divine And attain Divine Peace within Which is the sole purpose of humans Thus realize the aim of Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Ji while on this beautiful planet Changed the lives of millions with his wisdom His preaching have created wide-ranging positive effects on masses.
On the Gurupurb Day Diwan starts very early With holiest Asa-di-Var Along with hymns from Guru Granth Sahib are sung with full devotion Followed by discourses and prayers (Ardas) so mesmerizing And finally Prashad as Langar in lines (Pangat) By the devout (Sangat) Served to all without any bias. People share Langar eatables with great reverence And make this day; a day to reminisce.
Babaji – the most benevolent of all Our earnest prayer to Thee our beloved One Let the spirit of this day Remain echoing in our memory Spreading Thy Universal Message Of Uniting the Humans without bias And ridding society of all ills and malice Engendering brotherly feelings amongst all And make our life sublime at all times.
GURU NANAK DEV JI’S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY ON 19TH NOVEMBER 2021
The Akalpurakh sends His Messengers to this earth to spread His Message so that such wisdom infusing Messengers interact with the masses in their own languages and make huge difference with their discourses to the world at large thus change their lives. Their teachings are so relevant that there is a definitive imprint of teachings on the psyche of people. This is why the far reaching influence of these Messengers remains permanently in the minds of the people. Those sincere devotees who have attained the certain level of spirituality can see the Divine Vision and could transform others lives from negative thoughts to positive ones. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message to the humanity has an eternal imprint on the psyche of the people.
Guru Nanak Gurpurb also called Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav or Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm by all those who know about Guru Nanak Dev’s contribution to the humanity with His preaching.
On this day Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions or congregations) are taken from the Gurdwaras in the early morning itself and cover almost all the lanes and by-lanes in the vicinity. People sing hymns in His glory in this procession. There is an air of tranquility in the environs around these processions.
This is the holiest day in the history of Sikhism. It is celebrated not only by Sikhs but also by all those who believe in His Holy Words. Akhand Path, non-stop recitation from Guru Granth Sahibji, Asa Di Var (Collection of 24 Stanzas written by the revered Guruji). Gurdwaras are specially decorated tastefully on this occasion.
Devout pay respectful tributes to Sri Guru Nanak Devji and remember His contributions for the spiritual upliftment of the common masses and rid them from unnecessary rituals that prevailed.
Equality of all the faiths and religions is a reality. His disciples were from all castes and creeds.
THE PREACHING OF GURU NANAK DEV JI
UNDERSTANDING THROUGH DIALOGUE
The universal message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was to reach a common understanding through dialogue and carry all along by understanding others viewpoints too without imposing his viewpoints on others.
These teachings have far reaching effects on the general masses and most relevant in the Covid-10 pandemic situations.
Three miseries of humans are: miseries of mind, physical ailments due to bad deeds and miseries created by nature. These could be removed by God through realization of Truth by complete devotion.
OUR BODY IS MADE UP OF FIVE ELEMENTS
The human body is made of five elements; air, water, fire, earth and sky and within subtle body lives mind which remains in perpetual instability. The body consists of nine outlets and there is also the tenth one which is attained through intense meditation on Divine Naam. This way ego is destroyed and man merges with Divine.
OLD RITUALS SHOULD END GIVING PLACE TO NEW
The old dogmas and unnecessary rituals prevailing amongst the masses gave place to progressive ideas. Service (Seva) and prayers (Simran) should be given more credence.
DIVINE PERVADES WITHIN OUR BODY
The Divine pervades within the body which is termed as Soul (Atma). It enables the body to perform its functions. This Divine Power pervades in the Universe called as Universal Soul.
WELLNESS OF ALL SHOULD BE OUR GOAL IN LIFE
He propagated the idea of goodwill and welbeing of all without any discrimination – for him all are the creations of Akalpurakh and therefore there should not be any difference on the basis of religion or caste or creed.
GOD IS THE DIVINE HUSBAND OF ALL CREATIONS
The God is the Divine Husband of Creation and all creatures are His brides to whom He looks after without any discrimination.
TRUTH SHOULD PREVAIL ALWAYS
He taught that everybody should be truthful in words and deeds in their lives and face the situations and conditions.
RESULT OF GURU NANAK DEV JI’S PREACHING
His preaching resulted in the intellectual and spiritual renaissance of the masses in general.
HUMANISM GIVEN MORE CREDENCE
Humanism was given more credence with the idea that human beings are considered good or bad according to the deeds one performs and not on the basis of birth, caste or colour or region.
PURPOSE OF RELIGION IS TO CREATE HARMONY
Religion should create harmony and not dissensions and hurdles in the path of masses.
COMPLETE SURRENDER TO GOD CAN DELIVER US EVENTUALLY
Complete surrender to the will of God for the spiritual forward march should be pursued.
PRINCIPLE OF ONE GOD (EK NAAM)
He taught the philosophy of ONE GOD – EK NAAM.
Bad traits such as ego, anger, greed, attachment, and lust should be shunned from our midst in order to lead a balanced life.
PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE SHOULD BE OUR GOAL IN LIFE
We should always be in the quest/pursuit of knowledge for our enlightenment. Knowledge helps us to attain salvation too.
HOLY GURBANI IS TREASURE OF WISDOM
The Holy Gurbani is a sacred treasure and has universal appeal, every verse (Shloka) while recited suffuses and fills with fragrance in the environment it is spoken and cures the illness of our body, mind and soul. Almost all the prayers are for the praise of our Akalpurakh in one form or other.
For Example: Gun Biant Kimat Nahi Pae!! Nanak Jis Bhavai! Tis Lae Malae!
Endless are His virtuous qualities; His worth cannot be appraised. O Nanak, one who pleases Him is united with Him.
MAIN TEACHING OF GURU JI WAS TO SPREAD KNOWLEDGE AND REEMOVE IGNORANCE
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s premise was that those who do not know the true meaning of scriptures, cannot differentiate between good and bad; are steeped in egocentric pursuits. These people are truly the ignorant ones. There is no exaggeration in saying that main thrust of Guru Ki Bani is to remove ignorance, superstition and complex customs bedeviling the masses This also helped in spreading the message of goodwill besides engendering brotherly feelings amongst them without any distinction. Guru Nanak’s stellar contribution is for the wellness of the humanity as a whole and for the spread of this message, He traveled length and breadth of our country and abroad.
All the incarnations Messengers of God suffered while they were living on this earth because people at that time could not understand them. Such incarnations suffered so that we may learn the lesson for a peaceful co-existence between all humans:
GURU NANAK PREACHING IS MORE RELEVANT NOW THAN EVER
While pains and sufferings are, in essence, part and parcel of our life but when it is inflicted by our own brethren then it is more painful. What has been happening around the world now is nothing but painful. Guru Nanak has himself mentioned this “Unto whom should I tie up and give the bundle of my pains? The whole world is suffering from pain and suffering. Wherever I see loads of pain and suffering – NANAK DUKHYA SAAB SANSAR.
GURU JI’S TRAVELS TO WITHIN INDIA AND ABROAD
Guru Nanak traverses lengths and breadths of India and in the foreign lands, so he mentioned about the ‘pain across the globe.’ This pain and suffering could be ameliorated through meditation, he mentioned. “Remembering Him in meditation, a profound peace is obtained. Pain and suffering will not touch you at all – remain in the sanctuary of God and no pain and suffering will ever touch you at all.
ALL LIVING BEINGS ARE THE GOD’ S CREATIONS
All the humans are our Creator’s creations but they are born under different circumstances and different conditions and different locations. But from the same LIGHT, we are created. Then why people we interpret scriptural inscription differently. It really pains me immensely.
PROFOUND LESSONS THAT WE HUMAN SHOULD GET FROM THE MESSENGERS AND GOD INCARNATIONS
It has been observed that some of us are suffering at the hands of our opponents (those who do not agree with our viewpoints) just conveniently forgetting the untold sufferings undergone by the Messengers of God.
Bestow us enlightenment by removing ignorance through spread of knowledge.
CONSTANT STRUGGLE BETWEEN GOOD & EVIL
The world of ours is in constant struggle between good and evil. This is due to thrusting our opinions on others forcefully and consequent struggle. Then differing people resort to disproportionate violence result in loss of precious lives. No religion recommends this.
FIGHT BETWEEN TRUTH & FALSEHOOD
There is a fight between the truth and falsehood. This difference may be due to the different interpretation of scriptures but the basic thrust of all religious scriptures is good of humanity as a whole without bias and feelings of compassion, empathy, cooperation, brotherhood, and goodwill to be encouraged between all humans.
ALL ARE THE CREATORS OF OUR COMMON CREATOR
We should never forget that we have a common Creator meaning we are commonly related to our Him. Then why bloodletting for temporary gain – again which pains even our Creator!
There are those who are the oppressor and those who are oppressed. The oppressor should introspect about his/her origin and should never identify himself/herself different from others.
BAD THINGS COULD HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE
Bad things could happen to good ones. This is a fact, bad things have happened to the good people but when this injustice should stop and message of goodness that is codified in all the religious texts made applicable in letter and spirit? The sooner this happens the better for the humanity as a whole. No human loss, please.
MUTUAL HARMONY SHOULD BE OUR ULTIMATE GOAL
All the main scriptures exhort us for co-existing with mutual cooperation and with goodwill then why misunderstanding and killing? Where all this will lead the humanity?
Be that as it may, let’s forget our small differences and live as creation created by our ONE Creator.
REMOVAL OF DISCRIMINATION FROM THE SOCIETIES
The message of communal harmony that Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave should be followed by all the societies so as to remove the discrimination in the societies. He had his disciples from Hindu and Muslim – a clear message of communal harmony which is the need of the hour presently.
IT IS NOT HOW LONG WE LIVE BUT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IN THE YEARS YOU HAVE LIVED
After our earthy sojourn, We mortals traverse to a world unknown, Where to – guesswork abounds, Some think few are welcomed to enchanting Heaven, And the others to burning cubicles of hell are thrown, Depending solely on earthy deeds or misdeeds, Ledger of which are assiduously maintained and screened. Death is inevitable, then why gets afraid? Death is a stark reality, then why get sad? When parting with our kin so dear, finally, During life too, we experience death in small ways routinely, The one who has seen the dawn of the day, Will surely see the dusk of the day. A mistaken sense of pride, Egged on by mistaken sense of permanence of life, Spurs us to cling to this life so tight, That sometimes, we forget the imminence of our end. Which is so near but seemingly so far away from sight. Earthy inning is quite alluring, Parting with worldly possessions so paining, Yet, in life, we ought to adopt righteous course, Why fear, accept the change of garb with courage and without remorse, A life filled with inner freedom is helpful, Engrave this idea, eternal sleep is sacred and peaceful Welcome the eternal sleep when it comes naturally with open hands, For this end is not the end of cycle of life and earth, But a continuity of a play played by earthlings, And supervised from His Heavenly Abode by Supreme-Being; The One and the only One by whatever name you call Him
LIFE AND DEATH ARE TWO SIDE OF THE SAME COIN, BOTH, ARE NOT IN OUR CONTROL: A LIFE WITH GREEN LIFESTYLE MAKES DIFFERENCE
FEAR OF DEATH
DEATH OF BODY IS NOT THE DEATH OF SELF
This body (dehe) of ours is perishable and mixes with five element from which it was originated, What is indestructible or immortal (Amar) is our Soul (Atma). It changes its carriers but itself it remains in its original form. It can either carry another body after rebirth. We could get liberated through our righteous Karma, dharma, bhakti, humility, simplicity etc, but of course, without caring for fruits of our action. With righteous Karma, our soul dissolves into the (Super Soul) Param Atma. Therefore, we should not nurture any anxiety of death. Meaning death of body is not the death of Self or Soul. After death, there would a new beginning. Then why remain attached with this life? Let us welcome death, anytime and anywhere as we’re not born to stay here on this earth for indefinite period of time.
ANXIETY OF LOSING OUR WORLDLY POSSIONS
It should always be borne in mind that we had not brought anything while we were born and will not be taking anything while we depart from this earth. Even the temporary body cage we acquired is also not ours forever. We would be leaving this body one day when we die. We shall leave everything that we had earned in material form. We shall only take our good Karma; nothing tangible (Vastvik). When ‘I’ as a body is consumable (upabhogiy) in nature then why should be unduly be worried about this which is not ours for good.
THERE HAS TO BE A PLAUSIBLE REASON FOR DEATH OF LIVING BEINGS
It is a fact that the one who is born has to one day die. When and how is not in our hand. The reason for demise too is uncertain. It may be due to ageing, accidental death, due to some terminal illness, or self-inflicted death as suicide etc. But death leaves none. It may be mighty and powerful demon king Ravana or Alexander the great who had all the resources including medical help at his beck and call but could not escape death. Or it may be incarnates (Avtaras) of Gods such as Lord Rama or Lord Krishna. They also had to bid adieu to this planet when their time came. Ordinary humans and all the living things have to have their end one day, how, when and due to what reason is irrelevant.
IF DEATH HAS TO HAPPEN THEN WHY TO FEEL ANXIETY ABOUT IT
If all have to embrace death one day then question arises why we should fear death. Therefore, we should be prepared for death. It could happen anytime and anywhere. Therefore, no problem then, if the mightiest could not postpone death then how ordinary humans like can escape death?
We fear death or process of dying since we are deluded by the attraction of worldly possessions which we may have earned through our hard work or inherited from our parents or got through adopting corrupt means. This feeling takes birth in us after we consciously know the significance of worldly possessions in our life. We just forget that one day we have to die one day but the fear of which keeps haunting us. The time and reason of our death cannot be predicted before hand by anyone. In other words, the Damocles’ Sword of death always keeps haunting us.
EXPERIENCING LIFE’S UPS & DOWNS IN LIFE
In life, we encounter so many ups and downs. We lived our past, got good and bad experiences under the shadow of death anxiety just there for us. After experiencing all these, we depart from this earth after performing what is expected of us happily or grudgingly as circumstances permit. But in all these, we have not to forget God’s blessings. If we sincerely call Him, He will certainly come to our succour and we shall be delivered of the problems. After having fulfilled the purpose of our life, we should expect death without any fear of its happening since it has to happen one day. Truth of this has been mentioned in Bible. ‘for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. When we keep this truth in mind then we do not nurture death anxiety or hanatophobia. In fact, death anxiety is a fear of our own death or the process of dying with or without any physical and mental ailments troubling us.
PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE/IMPORTANCE OF PRESENT
We are living our present but our future remains uncertain. The present is the only period which is under our control hence we should utilize this time ‘now’ meaningfully. Bhagwad Gita mentions about present time: Some come to the spiritual life because of suffering, some in order to understand life; some come through a desire to achieve life’s purpose, and some come who are men and women of wisdom. Unwavering in devotion, always united with me, the man or woman of wisdom surpasses all the others’. All these could be transacted with certainity at the present period of time which is with us since we are the master of present.
MEDICAL SCIENCE HELPS PROLONG OF EXISTENCE FOR A SMALL PERIOD OF TIME
Although medical science has prolonged our lifespan for a limited period of time but there to uncertainity remains with fear of death lurking. Also, living under the shadow of death always not only spoils our present peace of mind. There are people with terminal diseases who prefer death to living the life full of ecruciating pain and suffering on support system. The hours of death could thus be delayed but the fear of death persists. For being fearless, we have to have inner peace and that peace cannot be acquired by artificicially enhancing the time period of our death. Since the deathless cannot be there for the one who has taken birth.
DEATH OF EVIL DOERS TO AVOID SPREAD OF EVIL FROM AMONGST THE HUMANS
It is paramount that evil should die lest its tentacles may engulf the mankind and ruin its growth and development. We humans are no one to put to death anyone since while doing so, we shall be breaking the natural law of births and deaths. Those who cross the limit of decency will have to face the consequences of their bad Karmic deeds. In Bible it has been very rightly said: Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
OUR BODY IS PERISHABLE BUT OUR SOUL IS ETERNAL
It should always be borne in mind that body is the carrier of the soul which is immortal. We should, therefore, make concerted efforts to keep our inner self morally and ethically pure by our righteous Karma. Though we can treat the ailments of our body with medicines so as to have body strength to transact our day to day function but while doing so, we should never forget our inner potentials. These could be harnessed through meditation for self realization.
NURTURING OUR BODY, MIND AND SOUL FOR OUR TOTAL WELLNESS
We should, therefore, not fear death since what we lose is our perishable body (which is the carrier) with us and what remains with the SELF is eternal or immortal soul. Hence death should not nurture any death anxiety. For this, knowing our conscious self and what remains to be known lying within us cure us in its totality. It could be termed as self healing or self repairing (outside and inside of our body). Meditation is needed for repairing the inside of our body (Soul), our own self effort can work wonders to train our mind to work according to our commands since: ‘Calmness, gentleness, silence, self-restraint, and purity: these are the disciplines of the mind’. (Bhagwad Gita). The medicines could heal our body. Having done these, we can acquire a balance in life. By so doing, we can fructify all the functions of body, mind and soul without trauma or anxiety of death.
THOUGHTS ON OUR DEATH BED
When at death bed, we should remember God but bereft of any anxiety or fear of death stocking us. We should have soft feeling without any illwill or expectation or attachment whatsoever. Just clarity in everything is needed even at death bed or in the process of death. I have seen some deaths in my family; my parent’s death and two of my elder brothers. My father was calm and composed even at death bed (At 95 years!) since he was a disciplined soldier. My mother died due to old-age with calmness writ large. That is the death I want with the grace of Almighty God. This has been amply made clear in Bhagwad Gita: Remembering me at the time of death, close down the doors of the senses and place the mind in the heart. Then, while absorbed in meditation, focus all energy upwards to the head. Repeating in this state the divine name, the syllable Om that represents the changeless Brahman, you will go forth from the body and attain the supreme goal.
Conclusion: This life of ours has been a gift of our Creator, we should not even nurturing an idea of taking revenge but rather make an effort to refine such people so that they follow righteous path. For the ones with more power and more sinister like Demon King Ravana and Kamsa, Lord Vishnu had to take Avtars in Treta Yuga as Rama and Krishna in Duapar Yuga respectively to kill Kamsa. Besides Lord Vishnu took ten Avtars in other to exterminate the evil doers and establish the modicum of peace and tranquility in various Yugas.
A RAY OF HOPE ALWAYS SAVES US AT ANY CRITICAL MOMENT
It has been observed that sometimes life becomes a burden for us due to variety of reasons. This may be due to constraints of terminal disease resulting in poor health condition, disability due to severe injuries due to accident, dire financial stringency constraints due to loss of business or loss of job due to Covid-19 pandemic or due to some other reason etc. This is felt more now than ever.
LIFE BECOMES BURDEN WHEN WE ARE DECEIVED BY OUR OWN PEOPLE
Life also becomes a burden when our own people betray us and neglect us – leaving us in the lurch. We must have observed the pathetic condition of the old people languishing in old-age homes to whom their own children have sent them there. Such people feel cheated by their own offspring. In their desperation and hopeless condition, such people may take any extreme step.
UNCONTROLLED MIND DROWNS THE BOAT OF OUR LIFE
Essentially, feeling neglected by our own close relatives leaves a scar on our mind and may drive us to extreme anxiety and depression leading to physical and mental ailments. When our mindset remains uncontrolled, we are not able to contribute anything tangible, not merely for ourselves but also people depending on us. In such a predicament, we become mentally unstable. In one of the discourses between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, Arjuna asks Lord Krishna: O Krishna, the mind is very restless, turbulent, strong and obstinate. It appears to me that it is more difficult to control than the wind.” Those who keep the mind in total control of themselves succeed.
WE SHOULD ALWAYS SEE THE LIGHT & NOT THE DARKNESS
MEDITATION & MEDICATION SHOULD GO HAND IN HAND FOR CONSTRAINED PEOPLE
The easiest way for the constrained people is to follow a spiritual way of living. If possible meditation and medication could go together in order to mitigate their frame of mind, Also, if these are combined together these could provide us modicum of hope and a needed tonic to revive hope. Then, detached lifestyle with less expectation could steer clear of any problem which may creep in our life. In Bible it has been rightly said: The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
LATCHING ON TO THE FLICKER OF HOPE COULD DELIVER US FROM HOPELESS CONDITIONS
In a situation where we have lost much, hope is a propelling force to live and when hope dies everything else starts dying. We ought to live around for something which gives us a ray of hope even a little spark can create a big fire of enthusiasm. Therefore, as long as hope is alive, we succeed in tiding over any constraint or burden which befall on us. It has also been observed that even if we have good health, possessions, power and pelf, fame etc. if hope gets lost everything else becomes irrelevant. Therefore, a feel of having hope in even hopeless situation will steer us clear off any hurdle or the feeling of life as a burden.
ALL OF US HAVE TO FIGHT OUR OWN BATTLE
When we are in huge depression due to various reasons, we’ve to fight our own battle, nobody will come to our succour. Without expectation from any quarter, we’ve to analyze our problems, seek answers to these problems with optimism and hopefulness along with resolute belief on Almighty God then we can come out of any negative thought and life will become joyous and worth living.
Some of the suggestions for amelioration of conditions of the people in pain are mentioned below:-
(a) We should ourselves help the person in pain. It indirectly helps us to reduce our own pain in the bargain.
(b) We should be-friend with such people through regular interaction. This will, in turn, infuse a feeling that such a person is wanted and not neglected in any way. Our regular interaction will also assist in making them determined and mentally agile to face the situations and conditions besides accepting the harsh realities and will to survive after facing all diverse odds.
(c) Financial succor should be provided to such people both by the Government and the NGOs engaged for well-being of such people.
(d) Meditation and meditation should go hand in hand so that such people become physically and mentally strong.
(e) Infuse positive thoughts in them such as it is bad but it could have been worst if you had not faced the situation head-on!
(f) Teach them the traits of having hope even in hopeless situations and conditions. Belief in oneself and God will always add to our blessings. lying within us cure us in its totality. It could be termed as self-healing or self -repairing (outside and inside of our body).
(g) Meditation is needed for repairing the inside of our body (Soul), our own self effort can work wonders to train our mind to work according to our commands since: ‘Calmness, gentleness, silence, self-restraint, and purity: these are the disciplines of the mind’. (Bhagwad Gita). The medicines could heal our body. Having done these, we can acquire a balance in life. By so doing, we can perform all the functions of body, mind and soul without trauma or anxiety of death.
When the grace of God is in abundance on the spouses When spouses bank on each other in happy & not so happy days When we respect each others privacy When together we can tide over the situation with a lot of patience When problem in the family is solved by putting head and heart When each day becomes a day to face challenge of existence When sharing and caring becomes a way of life in day to day life When no difficulty is intractable When nothing goes amiss with each other’s assistance When each tries to remain faithful to each other When both spouses obey the seven vows taken at the time of marriage.
We tied our nuptial knot In the on 5th November 1977 At Samba in Jammu & Kashmir I reminisce still so vividly Whence, with the grace of God Almighty I and my beloved wife Kamal tied the knot Got married On this date as today My God! It is more than 44 years ago But seems as though it was only a few years ago!
As per Hindu rites While the whole ceremony Took place With lighting of fire (Dhuni) With scented Havan Samagri Put in the sacred fire With sacred verses or hymns From Vedas are chanted I vividly remember The marriage vows To be fulfilled with utmost sincerity And honesty.
First being prayer to God Almighty To bestow both of us enough provision for our nourishment So that we’re able to sustain ourselves and perform our duty With good health and holistic progress.
Second vow is to prayer to our revered God To bestow us twosome Needed strength And live our good or bad times together While performing our daily duties. Third vow by way of prayer to Omniscient God To bestow us the blessings and graces For our peace and prosperity So that we live a life with harmony With Mother Divine.
Fourth vow and prayer to the Omnipotent God For standing by and supporting All the members of family In good and not so good times.
Fifth prayer to our beloved Almighty God To grace us with children With all the good traits And shall together Bring-up our children While giving them right value system Which are good for all the societies universally.
The sixth vow a sincere prayer to most venerated God To bestow them good health And keep them away from sickness So that the twosome Should be able to perform Their noble and divine deeds With the blessings of Almighty God.
MAY THE RAYS OF HOPE REMAIN TILL WE ARE TOGETHER
Seventh one is also a sincere prayer to our Lord Is for bestowing them the grace For a longevity in the relationship With love and affection galore While standing by with each other In good and not so good times.
HOME LINGERS WITH LIFE
All the Seven Promises echo in my ears Even today, I learn by heart the vows mad by both of us We’ve tried our utmost To live up to the vows We had made to each other And will try to stick to each one of these Till our last breath Of course, together Graces of God Almighty. May our Almighty God Good health and wellness.
HAPPY DIWALI TO ALL: DIWALI A FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, LOVE & SOUND
DIWALI IS THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, LOVE & OUND
Diwali festival is celebrated with thoughts with difference ‘cause we can garner so many insightful lessons of immense significance If we reflect on the life of Lord Rama Who obeyed the orders of his father Ayodhaya King Dhashratha To go on exile for fourteen years long! Spend these many years in the jungles While withstanding all the sufferings Posed by the elements in the hostile jungle Infested with demons so ferocious Away from the life’s comforts of palace Does the children of this generation have the same sort of spirit? Of exemplary obedience, tolerance, patience, perseverance And all the noblest traits put together with utmost persistence These righteous traits spring from sound upbringing Under the care of competent master and excellent parenting.
Thence, so our children can learn that our life is a roller-coaster Of good and bad experiences They should learn to live & adjust any environs they are put Which Lord Rama, Lakshmana & Maa Sita faced They together challenged the challenges head-on And came out as a winner at last After killing Demon King Ravana Who was drunk with pride and egocentric tendencies And also an epitome of evil at its worst form & manifestation.
Our youth just wilt under pressure while facing challenges thrown in life! They should learn to be adaptive to change Rather change should not change their mindset Lord Rama’s example shows us the path We’ve only to follow his footsteps with sincerity.
The way Lord Rama set an example As to how best to respect the voice of his subjects while he was crowned as a King of Ayodhya There is a clear message to us all That is why his rule tenure was termed as Ram Rajya He commanded respect from his subjects Was known for his justice and impartiality Treated his subjects and his close relatives equally While administrating justice as and when situation arose Where everybody enjoyed respect and freedom to air their views Bereft of any fear or caution There was no instance wherein he had shown discrimination.
On coming to know that there was a whispering campaign going on About the purity of his Sita Staying in Lanka of demon king Ravana Maa While he came to know of this all He ordered that Sita Maa be sent to jungles Though he suffered much pain for doing so Our justice system too should learn From the justice and fair-play during Rama Rjya.
Then one of the finest lessons which we get from his life Is about fulfilling promises made while living our life He believed in the dictum: ‘Ragukul Reet Sadha Chali Aayi Pran Jaye Par Bachan Na Jaye’ Meaning, There is a tradition in Raghukul They prefer death rather than not fulfilling promise given We should also fulfill all the promises made And lead a righteous existence.
The Diwali day begins with fond prayers To Lord Rama for his bounties and graces Along with blessings of peace and prosperity.
Shri Ram, Maa Sita with brother Lakshmana Had come back to Ayodhya To their own subjects and relatives so close After 14 years of exile After finishing the evils In the form of Demon King Ravana.
A lesson for us who with everything Graced by our Creator We all should be thankful to Almighty God for His graces And live a life of satisfaction Difficulties will be there in our existence But these are to be surmounted with determination And not swept under the carpet We live a life without any expectation From others, with abounding satisfaction.
While celebrating Diwali festival Let’s pray for peace and prosperity for all.
HAPPY DIWALI
DIWALI – A SACRED FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, SOUND & LOVE HAPPY DIWALI TO ALL
Literally, the word DEEPVALI contain two syllables meaning; deep – Wick light and vali a row and together it means a row of lights (earthen) wicks.
After the end of Lord Ram’s 14 long years of exile, winning over the ‘Sone Ki Lanka – GOLDEN LANKA’ and killing the demon King Ravana; with it all his evil Karmic deeds; Lord Rama, accompanied with his brother Lashmana and consort Sita and all his followers including Hanumanji – A reservoir of strength, knowledge and intelligence, courageous but without even a touch of pride, an epitome of Bhakti and Shakti. Despite all these traits, he considered himself to be the humble servant of Lord Rama.
CELEBRATING DIWALI DAY AFTER RESPITE FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC
As the Covid-19 pandemic situation has abated to a limit in comparison with last year’s Diwali which was muted primarily due to death and destruction caused by Coronavirus pandemic. Now that there is some respite, we should celebrate Diwali festival with our friends and well wishers with a prayer that all those who were affected by virus should recover their health. Besides, we should render a helping hand for those who have lost their means of livelihood after losing their jobs.
LAKSHMANA, LORD RAMA & SITA MAAALONG WITH LORD HANUMAN JI
LIFE OF LORD RAMA
Significantly, we should always keep in mind the most compassionate and most benevolent life of Lord Rama while he ruled Ayodhya or while he was constrained to spent his 14 years (on the bidding of his father King Dhashratha) in exile with simple and austere lifestyle, just living on forest fruits and herbs; bereft of any palace comforts.
Following Lord Ram’s life, we can also imbibe humility, compassion and above all humane touch. We should also learn from his adaptive lifestyle – from palace life to jungle life while in exile. He along with Lord Hanuman Ji and his monkey forces fought a battle with demon forces of Demon King Ravana. Killing demon king Ravana who characterized evil in form and manifestation was a moot point in Epic Ramayana which should serve a lesson for us humans that evil cannot survive indefinitely. Whenever evil crosses all limits, Lord Vishnu incarnates to annihilate the same thus help peace and prosperity for the humanity as a whole.
LORD RAMA’S WELCOME ON ARRIVAL AT AYODHYA
When Lord Rama reached Ayodhya, he was accorded a rousing reception/ welcome by the happy populace there. They welcomed all those who accompanied Lord Rama by lighting their homes and streets of Ayodhya with earthen wicks. The emperor Bharata, coroneted Lord Rama as the king of Ayodhya which proves his credentials as the righteous and virtuous one.
A STERLING EXAMPLE OF OBEDIENCE
The king of Ayodhaya Dhashratha, had made a solemn vow to his wife Kalkkeyi to ask for two boons or promises whenever she felt a need of the same when she had saved him from a certain critical situation. While there was a confirmed news that the king wanted Ramji to be coroneted as the king, Manthra the maid servant of KaIkeyi poisoned the ears of the queen Kaikeyi and exhorted her to ask for realization of two promises given to her by the king.
PROMISES MADE SHOULD BE FULFILLED
First the coronation for Bharata (Kaikeyi’s son) and second, 14 years’ exile for Rama (the son of Kaushilya). As there was the motto in the family since ages together: – Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi Puran Jaaye Par Bachan Na Jaye (There is a tradition in Raghukul that their members will prefer death rather than to break a promise), so Ayodhya king had to concede the demands of Kaikeyi though with heavy heart/resentfully.
LIFE OF BHARATA
After hearing about the turn of events (Coronation for Bharata and exile for him), Rama did not say even a single word. Contrarily, he put on the simplest dress to depart for exile, thus obeying the directive of his father without demur or reservation. Sitaji (consort of Ramji and Lakshamana (his brother – the son of Sumitra) too accompanied Ram Ji. This is a fine example of obedience of the orders of elders in the family. We ought to imbibe this fine trait of Lord Rama and thus follow a righteous path in our lives too.
FINE EXAMPLE OF COHESION IN THE FAMILY
When Bharata came to know about the 14 years’ exile for his elder brother Rama and coronation for himself, he felt very disappointed. He flatly refused to be crowned as a king of Ayodhya in the absence of elder brother Rama and Lakshmana. No arguments of any sort could consol him. He thought this act of being emperor as adharam (irreligiosity). He even went to the jungles in order to persuade Rama and Lakshmana to come back to Ayodhaya but Rama did not agree to this because of the promise of his father. The meeting between Lord Rama and Bharata is termed as Bharat Milap. He could not convince Lord Rama to come back to Ayodhya and rule.
LOVE BETWEEN BROTHERS
Finally, Bharata extracted a promise from Ramji that on his return back from 14 years’ exile, he will take the reigns as an emperor. Such was the love between the brothers – an unparalleled one. Rama’s love for Bharta was also an example that ought to be followed by brothers now for ensuring goodwill in our families. Wealth or any other consideration should not be an impediment for a good relations in our families.
IF KNOWLEDGE IS NOT USED WITH WISDOM IT WILL NOT SERVE ANY PURPOSE
DAWN OF JOY ARISES WHEN WE IMBIBE ALL THE LESSONS FROM THE SCRIPTURES
Ravana, the Demon King, was most Learned Demon King. Ravana, the son of Vishwashrava (A Brahman Rishi) and his mother Kaikasi (from a demon family) was a scholarly person who had the knowledge of Vedas and other scriptures at his finger tips but he is taken in negative light because he did not make use of this knowledge for the benefit of demon clan. But Ravana was intoxicated with his prowess and knowledge. So much so he was influenced by ego that he stooped to the sordid act of abducting Sita Mata the consort of Lord Rama – by deceit, an evil act by any reckoning. It goes to prove that if we do not use the knowledge with sagacity, we sure will fall prey to unethical karma leading to our sure downfall.
KUBER PUJA
Kuber is the step brother of Ravana and is considered as the treasurer of wealth. It is believed amongst the devout that worship of Lord Kubera, especially on the auspicious day of Diwali, brings affluence and progress in business. Just as we can have fresh water from the fresh water reservoir, we can have Lord Kubera’s blessings for wealth and prosperity. If we pray with sincereity and work hard for that we can get Kuber’s bounties. Meaning, he bequeaths wealth if we sincerely do our karma as per the natural laws. He graces those who resort to righteous karma and possess right attitude in life. Kubera pooja is done on Diwali Day so that there is sufficiency of everything for meeting the needs of our family.
GODDESS LAKSHMI & LORD GANESHA POOJA
Diwali is considered incomplete without first inviting the Lord Ganesha because He is an embodiment of good beginning and removes obstacles besides being the Lord of Wisdom. Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth and well being. On the auspicious day of Diwali, both the deities share a single altar thus ensuring blessings of the both. The former is taken as Lordess of wealth and the latter as the giver of prosperity.
GAMBLING ON DIWALI DAY
A legend has it that on Diwali Day Goddess Parvati played dice with Lord Shiva and He ordained that anyone who gambled on this day, prosperity will smile on such a person. This tradition continues even today. But some unscrupulous / unethical people just gamble away their homes and hearths on this day and have to fend for themselves. This is bad. Tradition is alright, but excess of everything is bad should be kept in mind.
TRADITION MARRYING WITH MODERNITY
It should never be forgotten that when tradition marries with modernity, the celebration is double whammy. It may be the celebration of festivals or any other day important individually, it gives us feeling of wellness for our fellow beings. But this celebration should never be individualistic in nature. There is more credence to celebration when all feel happy and satiated. May it be celebration of Diwali, Christmas Day, Eid or any other religious day – when all accompany us, celebration becomes more meaningful and eventful in true sense of terms.
NO CRACKERS PLEASE THIS YEAR TOO!
Due to the extreme pollution caused due to heavy smog cause due to burning of rice stubble and its waste. This pollution in the atmosphere becomes the cause of lung related diseases. Furthermore, the Covid19 pandemic infection will also increase due to this pollution. It has been seen that as on today the Covid-19 infection in our capital Delhi is spreading like wildfire. therefore, we have to do everything to control pollution. Factually, the bursting of crackers produce too much pollution in the atmosphere, hence the only remedy is to prevent bursting of crackers.
There are umpteen ways of celebrating Diwali. It is lighting our home with candles, earthen wicks etc. But cracker bursting and spoiling the atmosphere is too bad. Therefore, care ought to be taken that we should not all use crackers since these results in pollution which becomes cause for lung related diseases.
DHANTERAS ON 2ND NOVEMBER 2021 – A FESTIVAL OF PEACE & PROSPERITY
MAY THE KUVERA THE GOD OF WEALTH & PROSPERITY FULFILLS THE NEEDS OF ALL
SIGNIFICANCE OF ALL THE FESTIVALS
DHANTERAS FOR PEACE & PROSPERITY
We all are aware every festival has its its significance. The beauty of all the festivals is that each of them has specific message. It may be Diwali, Eid, Christmas Day Prakash Divas or any other festival. Every festival is unique in itself .
GOD OF WEALTH KUVERA
The word Dhanteras is derived from Dhan meaning wealth and Teras means thirteenth. In other words, the people on this day, people purchase gold, silver ornaments or any other precious metal wares as per the purchasing propensnsity of an individual concerned.
MESSAGE OF DHANTERAS
Dhanteras too has a message that if we earn our living by adopting sincere and honest means, wealth, prosperity and wellness will flow in abundance as a result of our hard work. As this wealth is earned with our hard work, therefore, its use will bestow us huge dividends.
DHANTERAS MARKS THE START OF DIWALI FESTIVALWe begin our prayers with our sincere to Lord Ganesha who protects us from all the problems (Veghana Harta) Dhanteras marks the beginning of the festival of Diwali Festival. It coincides with Trayodashi Tithi (Thirteenth) of the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari the Lord Kubera (God of wealth), and Yamraj (God of Death) are also worshipped on this day.
This year, this festival is being celebrated on 2nd November 2021. We worship Dhanvantari, who is considered as the God of wealth along with Ayurveda. Worshipping him bestows us wealth, good health and with it peace and prosperity. This day too would be celebrated as the National Ayurveda Day.
WORSHIP OF GODDESS OF WEALTH – MAA LAKSHMI
On this day, the Goddess of Wealth, Maa Lakshmi is worshiped – with a sincere prayer to Maa to shower her graces on the entire family so that all the members of the family remain blessed with health and wellness. As she is the Goddess of opulence and wellness, those who worship her with utmost sincerity are graced by her optimally. With his point in view, the devout worship her for earning her graces.
WORSHIPING FOR PEACE OF PROSPERITY
LORD KUBERA WORSHIPED FOR MATERIAL PROSPERITY AND WELLNESS OF THE FAMILY
LORD KUBERA – THE LORD OF WEALTH & PROSPERITY
SPECIAL WORSHIP (PUJA) OF KUBER (PUJA)
Besides, it is relevant to mention here that Lord Kuber, was actually the owner of Golden Lanka. He was also the treasurer of the precious metals. Actually he was the step-brother of Demon King Ravana. He was driven out of Lanka by Demon King Ravana, his half brother. Kubera got the status of God in Puranas. He is the Lord of wealth and wellness. He is also considered as the protector or Lokapala. On this auspicious day, houses and business establishments are spruced for earning his blessings. It is not only Hindus who worship him, Jains and Buddhists too worship him for prosperity and wellness of their families.
WORSHIP OF LORD YAMA (THE LORD OF DEATH) FOR FOLLOWING THE PATH OF DHARMA
Lord Yama or Yamraj is worshiped on this day for our longevity, good health while following the path of Dharma and Karma.
THE DUTY OF LORD YAMA
Lord Yama is assigned the task of moral duty or upkeeping Dharma while transacting our Karmic deeds. In this, he looks after how best the mortal beings adopt self-restraint and follow the path of Dharma. He is one of the protectors (Lokpala). He is shown to carry a stick (Danda) to enforce the rules of Dharma. His vehicle (vahan) is shown as a buffalo. He is the Lord of Death who keeps a tab of births and deaths along with the way we perform Karmic deeds or misdeeds etc. In this, he is assisted by Chitragupta to record all the Karma performed by all of us. No thought and karmic deed escapes his attention and these thoughts and deeds are shown on the day of judgment after the death of an individual.
WHY WE REQUIRE HEALTH, WEALTH AND WELLNESS?
WE ALL ASPIRE FOR PEACE & PROSPERITY
In life everybody requires wealth according to ones needs and aspirations. For possession of wealth, we need to work hard as nothing is got without hard work. The possession of wealth depends on the propensity to earn according to our capability and job we perform. Then there is question of how much of material possessions we need for meeting our needs; for meeting expenditure on our family, for the expenditure on our children’s education, for construction of our house etc. All these are necessary for everybody for living a honorable life. In this Goddess Lakshmi bestows us bountiful graces if we offer her prayers with utmost sincerity.
FOR EARNING NEEDED WEALTH, WE’VE TO PUT IN SINCERE EFFORT
For earning wealth we require to meet our daily expenditure, it is important that we remain hale and hearty so as to put in long hours of work. For being healthy, we require health giving diet and have to perform exercises for keeping the body fit. All this could happen if we devote some of time in prayers and especially on this day Maa Lakshmi is the prime-mover – for giving us health, wealth and wellness.
WHY WE PURCHASE PRECIOUS METALS ON THIS DAY?
For earning our living and having good health, we have to put in our best efforts and then destiny too plays its part. For this, we have to have spiritual oriented life and perform our duties and function as assigned. DHANTERAS is a festival of purchasing something precious such as gold coin, silver coin, house utensils based on our need and our capacity to spend. The price of precious metals appreciates and could act as a security for future too. Security in the sense that we can sell the precious metal and have our emergent needs fulfilled.
SIGNIFICANCE OF DHANTERAS
Dhanteras is precursor or forrunner to Diwali celebrations.
On this day, the God of Wealth is worshiped for wealth & wellness based on our sincere hard work.
A precious metal is purchased on this day which could be sold as and when needed to meet our future needs.
On this day, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi (The Goddess of wealth and wellness) along with Lord of Death Yamraj too are worshiped.
This day too gives us lesson that what we earn with our hardwork works wonders for us and for our offspring.
OUR EMOTIONS SHOULD NOT GO UNCONTROLLED : PROPER BALANCE IS A MUST
OUR FEELINGS & EMOTIONS
We are what we feel and believe If we get stuck with all sorts of feelings and emotions We shall be stuck in the quagmire of these emotions Thus getting lost permanently in the mystification Of our own creation.
It is worthwhile to keep in mind Proper introspection is a crying need Thereby keeping in mind which emotion is beneficial And which one will have negative implications Ignoring the same since such an emotion Will have negative overall ramification On our physical and mental state And become the cause of mood swings Becoming, woefully a fittest candidate For anger, depression, irritation, obsession And all sorts of adverse implications Impacting us physically and mentally. Need is to acquire a healthy balance As a way forward in our existence So that we remain balanced Both in happy and not so happy occasion.
EMOTIONAL MATURITY COMES WHEN WE EXPERIENCE LIFE IN EVERY WAY
OUR FEELINGS & EMOTIONS
It is fact that a life without any feeling or emotion is mechanical. The feeling or emotion is essential for us since if there is no feeling means it is not connected with life and life related activities. These emotions are in the form of anger, Irritation, Jealousy, envy, rancor, bitterness, resentment, disappointment, infatuation, , obsession, unhappiness, unhealthy criticism etc. Meaning, these emotions could be termed as uncontrolled feelings and emotions. Then there are positive emotions like happiness, calmness, coolness, gladness, joy, glee, laughter, amusement, healthy criticism etc. These are termed as the controlled emotions/feelings.
HEALTHY EMOTIONS
In essence, when we do not feel disappointed in hot or cool situation and condition. This balance is not acquired by wishful thinking only. We have to experience ups and downs of life. This is done when we know that in life, sometimes we succeed in our missions and feel happy while sometime we are not able to be successful resulting in disappointment. One who understands the life in its entirety knows that happiness and sadness are the two sides of the same coin. We hardly can expect only happiness. If it were so, then, we shall have a sort of monotony in our existence. It goes to show that we have to live with positive and negative situation and condition. But what is within our control is to convert our negative emotions into positive ones and do not lose our sleep when placed in negative situation. This is a state of balance. No matter in what sort of situation we are may be placed, we shall not lose coolness and composure.
In Bhagwat Gita it has rightly been said by Lord Krishna to Arjuna: Contact between the senses and their objects, which give rise to the feelings of heat and cold, happiness and distress, etc. are transitory & fleeting in nature, therefore Arjuna, one should not get swayed by these and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed by them.
It is a considered fact what we think, feel, reflect, imagine, suppose and believe happens. We can call our feeling anything but it remains an integral part of our psyche. In other words, we as humans cannot exist without feelings. These are as inseparable from our own self as any part of our body.
NEGATIVE EMOTIONS
It is not worthwhile to get attached to them as though these negative feelings and emotions will impact us in any way. Surely these cannot be of any benefit to us. Only thing which these can do is spoil our present moment and may be future too. Then why to latch on to them for nothing? Just get rid of these sorts of negative feelings and go on with your life as though these are not the part of our thoughts. In actual practice we remain denying to ourselves that such feelings are there thereby doing a disservice on us. Sometimes we pretend that we do not keep the negative emotions but in actual practice these become part of our psyche as suppressed or repressed emotions and feelings.
For example, a few days back, somebody threw the dirt in front of my gate. I saw him doing so. When asked why he has done so, he flatly retorted that he had thrown the much on the street. I, in turn, cleared the dirt. But the way he spoke remained with me. I should not have kept such a negative feeling with me. I should have cleared the feeling as I had cleared the street in front of my home. There were two options. Either I must have fought it out with him or cleared the muck. I considered it wise to clear the muck without much fuss. The result was that the defaulter realized his folly and promised not to do such an act in future. Such encounters do happen in our lives on daily basis and we have to act according to the need of the hour and not to be carried away spoiling our present and may be future too.
Each of us are different in temperamentally, size, weight, intelligence, in thought process etc. Similarly, each feeling too are small or normal or big. Some are positive emotions and the others are negative in character. How we react to the feelings and emotions which arise due to some incident or any event, depends solely on our resisting power and power of introspection. Latching on to every bit of feelings will not serve any purpose.
NATURE PROVIDE BALANCE TO OUR EMOTIONS
Meaning, we should keep in mind which feeling or emotion to be acted upon and which one to be left untouched – like; let the sleeping dogs lie otherwise we may get bitten by these unnecessarily. In other words, engage with the feelings and emotions which are necessary and let others neglected and removed from the mind-slate.
Our feelings and emotions keep arising from time to time. Some are good and others fit to be thrown into the dustbin of time and to be ignored straight away. One of my colleagues in our office told me he does not fear to act when he finds that his feelings and emotions are of positively orientation.
WHEN DOWN AND OUT SURRENDER TO NATURE
Then there are our gut feelings or intuitions which could forewarn us of any coming event so that we may remain alert.
The mood swings could be attributed due to following reasons:
ANGER
It has been observed that we tend to feel annoyed when somebody irrationally criticizes us for a reason. While in anger, we’re having hazy mindset, illogical thought process, etc. We all know that while in anger, our thought processses are adversely impacted. While in anger, we become impatient, intolerant, annoyed and act irrational. We may get physical and mental health issues with persistent anger.
STRESS
The stress may be due to fluctuation in mood in relation with issues such as adjustment problems at home; due to discord between the family members, non adjustment at workplace and the environment in which a person lives too has far reaching effect on an individual.
DEPRESSION
The gloominess may be caused due to non fulfillment of our desires or facing unexpected financial stringency.
ANXIETY
We may be anxious about the future of our life and that of nears and dears. Anxiety may also be the result of death of a breadwinner or any member of family, loss of job or feeling of uncertain future. There are several incidences of Coronavirus pandemic deaths due to which there is a prevalance of anxiety.
PHOBIA
The irrational dread of some unexpected incident could trigger a feeling of phobia in the mind of concerned person.
IRRITATION
We become bad-tempered if somebody criricizes us irrationally without any substantive reason.
SLEEPLESSNESS
There are unsavory incidents in our life which negatively impact of life resulting, sometimes loss of sleep or insomnia.
LACK OF CONFIDENCE
While we have mood swings, we may feel letdown in every way and its result could be lack of confidence every way we can imagine.
NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
There are incidences and unpleasant events due to which we have nervous breakdown impacting us physically and mentally.
POSITIVE & NEGATIVE FEELINGS/EMOTIONS
Essentially, our feelings remain with us as we walk or talk or in all the activities we transact. Feelings and emotions are to felt as per their importance. Some are to be avoided and the other ones are to be acted upon. Even in sleep, we get a strange sort of jerk while in the verge of entering into deeper stage of sleep – termed as ‘sleep start’.
OUR EMOTIONS ARE IMPARTANT PART OF OUR EXISTENCE
Our feelings are part and parcel of our existence. We have only to understand its true meaning and importance in our life. We’ve to sieve our feelings too as we put the floor through a sieve so as to remove the residues. Similarly, every feelings or emotions are not worth taking consideration. Some are to be put through our thought processes and shunned as we throw the filth from our homes. Need is to avoid those feelings and emotions which may not be of any consequence for us and keep for action the ones which may have positive implications for us and the people we hold dear.
WE SHOULD NEVER GET STUCK WITH EMOTIONS WHICH IMPACT US ADVERSELY
It is also important for us to know as to which feeling and emotion have to be kept into consideration and which one to be ignored after introspect. In other words, we should not clutter of mind with unnecessary and crazy feelings which spoil our night sleep. It is just like our interaction with people we find fit for picking u conversation. We do not do so with anybody or everybody with whom we come across. It also depends on our association or close relationship we are having for a conversation to be useful. Similar is the case with our feelings and emotions. We ignore what are irrelevant while considering the most relevant ones.
IGNORING ALL EMOTIONS IS UNHEALTHY
It is also a fact that we cannot ignore all our feelings and emotions straight way. In that case we cannot have purposeful life. Getting stuck in every feeling and emotion is also not healthy for our existence.
OUR EMOTIONS GET MATURITY IF WE LEAN MORE ON NATURE THAN MECHANICAL DEVICES
CONCLUSION
In life, we face ups and downs. If we are happy today, we may face some adverse incidence and feel down and out. We should always keep in mind that if we have night then day is not far, meaning we should have positive attitude in our life. We should always think that nothing is permanent and even negative emotions will not last for long. Therefore, we should cultivate a healthy balance in our life thus living a life in sync with Bhagwad Gita: During the dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, Lord Krishna stresses that, the wise human being to whom pain and pleasure, happiness and distress etc. are alike, and who is not tormented by these contacts i.e. remains steady in both is certainly eligible for liberation and immortality.
INNER THOUGHTS 
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