February 2015 – INNER THOUGHTS

How do different people live differently and also what are the things we should take seriously in our life?

How do different people live differently and also what are the things we should take seriously in our life?

In life only this moment is ours which we can live according to our choice. The past is dead and future is uncertain. We come across many ups and downs – these are the paradoxes of our life, we’ve to live with. Everybody lives life according to his/her own karma. No two individuals are same in thought, action/deed, etc. Even the body we’ve been given differs in length, girth from our other fellow being. Its working too differs. Some are prone to diseases, others have a sound immune system. Way of speaking differs. Way to handle adverse situations differs. Life style differs. Then we take this life of ours most seriously. Despite all these uncertainties! Anything happening to us, anytime, anywhere is taken as if heaven has fallen down and we start impacting adversely not only our own self, physically and mentally, but also not let people around us too live peacefully.

Everyone has different taste and temperament. Even the experience that we’ve on the similar event differs. Some experience pain and others pleasure from the similar event! This seems strange but it is truth. Despite all the differences that we’ve and born with, similarities still exist. We breath the same air, take the same water, enjoy the same source of energy of sun, take food in order to have energy besides enjoying all the bounties that our Creator gives us. There cannot be any difference in these things as long as we live. Also, when a natural disaster visits us, we all experience the similar mental and physical pain.

Some live by their own means. Eke out a living by their personal efforts. They endure in whatever situations they are and come out with flying colour, even taking failures too in the same manner and successes. They live by the precepts enunciated in Bible: And endurance produces character, and character produces hope. These are God loving who respect others without caring for their own welfare. They are compassionate, feel pain while others feel so and are always ready to render a helping hand to assuage others’ feelings. In other words such people are the wealth of this planet. Common masses weep at their death and would immortalize their life’s journey through writing and other means. They are selfless and have connectivity with our Creator. They do not take themselves very seriously.

Contrarily, there are others who live on others’ – living a parasitic life. These greedy, selfish, with negative attitude ‘care fig for others’ wellbeing and while following this sort of life they feel pleasure while others suffer? Their life is centered around themselves – starts with them and ends with them. In other words, all the satanic traits are enmeshed in them. Bhadwad Gita describe such people as: A person with an impure mind who knows himself as the doer of all actions and do not consider the five factors, such an ignorant person does not know anything. They are, to say the least, cancer to the society and the people would like to forget them after their demise. Nobody wants to remember these God forsaken people. They are the people who love their own self; just selfish to the core besides take themselves very seriously.

Having known who is selfish, the one who takes himself/herself very serious and selfless who does not care for himself/herself, it is pertinent to know as to what and why we should take something other than ourselves, so seriously. Does anything change merely due to our thinking? It certainly will not and has not ever. If something contrary to our thinking happens, we just do not come out of it and keep on repeating times without number like an old film being repeated time and again. It should be remembered that failures could visit us anytime anywhere and we’ve to be prepared for it and learn lesson out of those; without forgetting that whatever has to happen cannot be avoided. Then, why we’ve to take everything so seriously? Whatever comes ought to be taken just joyfully or if it is a difficulty then has to be taken in our stride and faced with and calmly. Good and bad incidences too will just pass. We should raise ourselves above all good or bad events.

Having said that, if triumphs and failures are not to be taken very seriously then what is to be taken so seriously? Nothing but God counts. His love counts. His bounties to us count. Everything else is a passing phase just impermanent. We ought not have much attachments with transitory things, we’ve to have our eternal attachment with our Creator/Bhagwan/Allaha/Akalpurakh or by whatever name you call Him. He is Omnipotent and Omniscient. Attachment with Him gives us eternal joy – having laugh, joyful living, loving compassion and opportunity for witnessing His love everywhere just counts. We ought not also to forget to thank Him for all that He has given us.

How to express my feelings to someone for whom I can leave anything?

I am in love with one of my colleague but I am not be able to express it.

Answers

Relevance

Best Answer: For God’s sake, if you are having true love for someone, please mention that to her. Do not have any kind of inhibition or reservation. But first of all, introspect that your love is not one side affair. It may be based on infatuation. If you feel that you can have lasting relationship, you should propose to her sincerely and meaningfully. She will respond you, if you have conviction in your love. You have also mentioned that you can leave anything for her. Your statement should be selfless and should not harm any other body in the long run. Introspect and act and search your soul and act what pleases the most.

You should, therefore, express your thought with utmost sincerity. God be with you.*

*To a person for whom we have love, we should not waste much time in expression of our thoughts. Care ought to be taken that while expressing, sincerity in our effort should never be lost sight of. We’ve to tell everything – our abilities or weaknesses, with an idea that humans cannot be without any weaknesses. Tall claims or tall talk may give us a momentary good feel but ultimately when these promises or claims are not substantiated practically then problem will start brewing, initially slowly and then become uncontrolled, leading to separation unfortunately. That is the consequence of our shortsightedness.

When does committing of sin and crime blur in meaning and substance? Discussing this in the light of recent corporate espionage case in India.

When does committing of sin and crime blur in meaning and substance? Discussing this in the light of recent corporate espionage case in India.

Sin has moral intent / inclination – breaking the religious commandments whereas crime is commission of an act against the law of the land. Now, there is a predicament, when the two, crime and sin could be used interchangeably i.e. when crime committed too has moral nuances with it? I opine, when crime goes unconstrained, sin starts to show its ugly face.

The case in point is recent partially unraveled espionage case, going on since long, involving employees of Government pertaining to petroleum ministry and others, who stole national secrets from the offices to which they were attached. For unlawful entry to the offices, at odd hours, they made IDs and duplicate keys etc besides putting off the workings of CCTVs. They shamelessly broke the laws of the land thus worked counter to Official Secret Act. This act should be used against these anti nationals stringently and, none, whoever mighty and high, be spared. The documents pilfered are said to be related to national security impinging on the national security – deceptive and shameless indeed.

Then the executives of top energy companies who purchased those documents on the behest of their bosses – their acts too speak volumes about their illegitimate acts. Besides these, one newspaper reporter is also involved; who opened an outlet for selling out documents with a huge price! What a crying shame to say the least. Further investigations may bring out many skeletons from the cupboard. All these people were selling the important and sensitive documents of their Mother Land for a price since long without being detected!

Who are the ultimate beneficiaries, only thorough investigations can unravel. But this case falls under heinous crime and is therefore disgraceful and amounts to playing in the hands of those inimical to national interests too. It goes to show that these people could steal, sell and bargain the safety and security of their Mother Land for their personal gains. If they could compromise the security of their Mother Land – which sustained them, gave them all sorts of freedoms besides providing them internal and external security, then, WHY NOT, these people could even sell their own MOTHER for a price? This is what every right thinking and well intentioned person with integrity will fathom.

Only methodical investigations can tell us who the ultimate beneficiaries of these thefts are, let’s wait and see. But one thing is crystal clear; whosoever is involved has mala fide intentions towards the country. All these most uncalled for incidents amount to shocking crime against the country and should be dealt as such. This too amounts to corruption of highest order at high places.

Quid pro quo has been done in the form of pecuniary gains in transferring important documents impinging on the national security by breaching the laws and bending the rules for personal gains. Now masterminds of all this murky wheeling and dealing going on since a long time has to be brought out and justice done.

The money that changed hands by these shadowy transactions must have been used for bringing up dependent family members too. Ill-gotten resources produce ill-results should never be forgotten. This money is tainted and will produce tainted people full of impiety – with no integrity and bereft of any character and due to absence of traditions and value system. Meaning children brought by tainted resources through bad karma results in corruption in the family.

In Bhagwad Gita, it has rightly been said that those who have lost their family traditions always dwell in hell indefinitely.

Contrarily, when we use hard earned money on our children they will turn out to be persons of integrity and with impeccable character. These are SATVIC people.

From the above, it is evident that where crime ends, sin starts and where sin starts moral and ethical values are constrained. Greed or passion for acquiring wealth robs us of ethical values. Meaning we give more credence to RAJASVIC aspirations which results in sadness and mode of ignorance (TAMAS) results in foolishness. thus mode of goodness just diminishes.

Corrupts, including their well wishers will also meet their waterloo partly here on this earth for their heinous crimes and partly on the JUDGEMENT DAY after their death.

What is a sin and can we be absolved of sin if committed knowingly / unknowingly?

What is a sin and can we be absolved of sin if committed knowingly / unknowingly?

Seven Deadly Sins mentioned in the Bible are Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Anger, Greed, and Sloth. The Bible covers topics relating to sin, repentance, forgiveness, salvation, and others that help provide biblical guidance for Christians to follow to resist the temptation of sin.

Sin is said to be committed when an act is done which is in violation of the moral code of conduct. Mere intention of doing something unethical or immoral, means a sin has been committed. Sin has a moral connotations used by religions to describe a wide range of actions. For example, seeing lustfully amounts to committing a sin. It is against the commandments of religions because it is against the very relation between humans and God. To sin means commission or failure to remain within the confines of set human behaviour. It may be small or very glaring. Its punishment or retribution is always there. All the religions condemn the perpetration of sin by humans.

A sin is said to be committed under the influence of the following:-

Indulgence in ego and allurement in commission of sin. When we give too much credibility to self, the idea that everything that happens is due to ‘me’ or “I’ am the doer. In that sort of situation, we are in for trouble on moral or ethical ground. When we are egocentric, we are prone to act irrationally or immorally thus commit sin.

Anger. Anger robs us of the power to think rationally. An action completed in anger can hardly be a sound one and hence may lead us to committing sinful acts, knowingly or unknowingly.

Vanity. It has rightly been said pride hath a fall. Some people pride their status and worldly possessions. This amounts to sinning for everything that is bestowed to us is due to the grace of God.

Lust. It has been clearly been said in Bhagwad Gita that we have to control our mind to kill lust which is our enemy for self realization.

Greed. Greed for worldly possessions coxes us for getting the same through legitimate or illegitimate means. Following wrong path for collection of wealth through illegal and immoral ways is both a crime and hence sinful.

Backbiting or speaking ill of others without proof. Backbiting or saying something at the back of somebody, when that person is not there to defend himself/herself is a sinful act. Or speaking ill of others without rhyme or reason is also a transgression and hence reprehensible and hence sinful.

Jealousy/Envy. Sometimes we are under the spell of a negative feeling of envy for others’ progress in life. This is construed as a bad trait thus sinful.

Corrupt practices. Resorting to corrupt practices for fructification of personal agendas without any sound reasons or bribing others or gratification for getting things done is sinful. When one wants to get what is legitimately not his/her that is a sinful act.

Not looking after old and infirm or not looking after the dependent spouse. When we do not look after our old and infirm members in the family or do not take care of our family including wife and children who are dependent on us financially and emotionally. That is a ghastly sin which that particular person commits.This is also against all canons of good behavior.

When definition of sin and crime gets blurred. Sin deals with moral nuances whereas crime is acting against the law of the land. Then if we commit theft or follow illegal means of amassing wealth by not fulfilling our tax obligations etc these too are corrupt practices – hence crime against the law of land. When somebody takes somebody’s life, it is crime against the legal system. These too fall under the purview of sin because we break the law of land and has got moral perspective too although both are exclusive when taken at its face value.

To commit a sin brazenly (knowingly), with an attitude, ‘I do not care’, is commission of a sin. It is more against the Laws of Karma than the one being committed unknowingly. But a sin is a sin whether committed knowingly or unknowingly. We cannot escape from its consequences. Karma will catch up us sooner if we have even an intention of committing some immoral or unethical acts. Karma is just like gravity, it just happens without any warning.

Now, it is essential to know what are the Laws of Karma: These laws are based on the precept, if one commits sin, then, that person should always be ready for suffering the pangs / result of that sin in one form or the other. It acts just naturally without any warning.

If we want happiness, we have to spread the fragrance of happiness in others too. We must have observed the countries which cultivate the seeds of ill-will and hatred against other countries; those seeds when sprout and become a full fledged tree of ‘sin’ give fruits of violence. These sinful fruits not only act against the ones for whom these are meant but also spread violence and mayhem in the country or origin – hence bad for the cultivators too. Following are the LAWS OF KARMA.

Creation. Creation is due to the participation of different elements of universe. In this, our Creator plays a very significant role.

Humility. With humbleness we grow with arrogance we go down. Humility is considered as an intrinsic prerequisite for humans – to respect others as we want respect for ourselves. Why we fail to arrest sins or why we resort to sinning depends on how we conduct ourselves with our fellow beings. An arrogant person attracts nobody. There is a feeling of repulsion while that person is there. Humility is an attractive conduit of people. Humble person could be adjusting in nature and take corrective actions if he/she falls prey to sin sometimes. Sin does not touch him/her at all.

Growth. If we desire to change, we can. It all depends on us. That desire for growth should sprout from within us. Here the growth is all round growth, body, mind etc. Here our mind plays a predominant role. If we rein the mind, then all our sensory thinking would work for our benefit. Here too sin will not have any place.

Responsibility/Duty. When something wrong happens to me, it means there is something wrong in me. Nothing goes amiss without I participating in that act. It includes sin or sinning, minor or major one. Everything around and in us is mirrored. We, therefore, take responsibility in what we have to do and should also think where our freedom starts and ends and where our responsibility begins. Controlling ourselves just counts.

Connection. It should never be forgotten that everything in the universe is inter connected. Nothing happens without any cause and effect. All the past, present and even future happenings have connections. Hence our unethical action cannot go unanswered.

Concentration. To get something tangible, we have to concentrate. If we are doing something and our mind is on something else – not focused, then result will also be negative. More we focus more the results. This also helps us to take right decisions at the right time with good results besides avoiding those Karmas which have got negative fallout.

Giving. It has been proved with experience that what you give comes back to us in equal measure or even more. Giving is a sign of showing empathy for others thus avoidance of negativity.

Here and Now. If I commit some sin just unknowingly, it is here and now that realization should dawn on me and rectify the fault-line otherwise it would be too late. Now is the time which is my wealth. What has gone cannot be retrieved nor what I shall get after sometimes is in my hand. Now is the time to change for better.

Change. If we fail to adapt as per the need of the hour, then, we are in for trouble and against the norms of the laws of karma. If we’ve sinned unknowingly, we can recant and resolve not to repeat.

Patience. In Bhagwad Gita it has been ardently mentioned that Yogi’s responsibility is to do Karma (to be Karma Yogi) without much worry about fruits about that Karma. The results would be in our favour if our act or karma is in sync with the laws set by the society or ethical norms. We’ve to be patient in that. Impatient people spoil their own chances of adjustment with society and continue committing one sin.

Inspiration. Inspiration is like a sweet pill after our efforts are rewarded with success. The true value of our endeavour is in direct proportion to the effort combined with intent to excel. Inspiration brings positivity in our efforts.

While performing our day to day routine tasks or interacting with others, we may sometimes deviate from the chartered path. This deviation may be a minor one but if course correction is not done within shortest span of time, this minor deviation may spin out of control and become a major deviation; we can consider this deviation a minor aberration bordering on sin. The minor sin could also turn to major sin or mortal sin, if not controlled. Then it is sin to not to help a needy, greedily misappropriate the funds you are holding as a custodian, keep somebody under your thumb unreasonably, sensual pleasures, backbiting, anger, delusion,

Our action (Karma) is the result of our desire or intention; which Is done with body and mind. The result of this intention depends on the wisdom or otherwise in our intention. If our intentions are impure we cannot get pure results. Impure intentions are therefore sinful and bring with it sinful consequences. Our effort should be to purify our desires for a karma. This is cleansing of inner and outer self. Removing ill-conceived traits and imbibing good traits should be our ultimate effort.

Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear. Bhagwad Gita

Now while we know that we’ve committed a sin just unknowingly and want to return to righteous path. We can just surrender to our Creator with all the sincerity at our command and see the difference. Rishi Valmiki did the same thing. He totally surrendered to RAM NAAMA and got himself immortalized by penning down epic Ramayana.

Being humans, means being with imperfections and contradictions, we commit one sin or the other but our LORD is very benevolent, He forgives our faults if we ask for His forgiveness but that ought to be in utmost honesty and sincerity at our command. He loves us with all our faults. Let’s therefore surrender onto Him, LOCK STOCK AND BARREL.

Mahashivaratri or Great Night of Lord Shiva is being celebrated on 17h February 2015.

Mahashivaratri or Great Night of Lord Shiva is being celebrated on 17h February 2015.

MAY LORD SHIVA BESTOW US HUMANS EVERYTHING THAT MAY BRING PEACE AND TRANQUILITY IN THE WORLD.

It is celebrated on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in the month of Phalguna as per Hindu calendar which is in the month of February. This is an annual feature which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence. This is the holiest day since this day is associated with sacred marriage of Lord Shiva and Lordess Parvati (who is also the daughter of Himalaya) – coming together of Shiva & Shakti.

Shivratari Lord Shiva’s most favorite day/night. When earth was created, Shakti (Lordess Parvati) asked Shiva which day was dearest and favourite one for Him. Shiva replied that 14^th night of the new moon in the month of Phaluna was most pleasing to Him. Parvati thus repeated these words amidst the company of friends and others and thus the word spread far and wide to the multitudes and since then this day is being celebrated with great adoration.

Maha Shivratri is associated with the marriage of Shiva and Shakti. The devotees (Bhakta) know the significance of this day since it is very dear to Lord SHIVA. On this day, the devotees in different age groups (young & old) take early bath in some sacred rivers like Ganga, Jamuna etc and offer prayer (pooja) in temples and also make offerings of bel patra and other leaves including berries including pour water on the Shiva Linga. (symbol of Lord Shiva) before washing the Lingum with utmost reverence (the symbol of Lord Shiva) with milk, ghee, honey, rose water etc. As Lord Shiva is known for His austere living he likes simple thingsand simple offerings in the form of herbs and leaves please Him immensely. Devout perform prayers with immense pleasure and devotion.

Devout chant Mantra OM NAMON SHIVAYE and also Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to get special benefits since this day falls in the most appropriate planetary positions in the Northern hemisphere; helps a person raise his / her spiritual energy vigorously. The prayers are answered if these are done with sincerity. This day is also celebrated because on this night Shiva performed His cosmic dance (Tandava). This dance was enjoyed even by other Godheads.

Shivaratri means night of Shiva. On this day devotees observe strict fast and keep themselves awake during the night time, immersed in Lord’s prayers for deriving maximum benefits out of these sacred rituals.

Lord Shiva’s abode is mount Kailasha. He bearer of sacred river Ganga on his head besides a serpent named Vasuki. His devotee Nandi is carrier of Lord Shiva.

In Shiva Purana, it has been mentioned that Shiva prayers should be done in the following manner to get maximum benefit:-

Shiva lingam is to be bathed with water, milk and honey. For purification of these bel patra should also be added.

Vermilion paste represents virtue, after bathing the Shiva Lingum with water, honey, curd etc with utmost devotion vermilion paste is applied on it.
Natural fruits like berries are very dear to the Lord, hence these are offered. Fruits are also the sign of fulfillment of our desires and hence should be offered.

For getting His grace and bounties offerings when dhoop (incense) is ritualistically burnt give maximum benefits.

Then lamp is lighted. The lamp symbolizes knowledge and wisdom. If this is lighted with devotion and offered to the Lord, we can derive maximum benefits.

Finally betel leaves are offered which symbioses the satiation of our wordly desires besides keeping our spiritual onward march in tact.

There is also another legend attached with this day. At the time of the churning of the sea by the Godheads and the Demons (Rakshas) there surfaced a pot of full of poison amongst other enchanting objects. To save the world from the devastating effects of poison, Lord Shiva consumed the pot of poison and kept the same in his throat with his Yogic Powers and that is why He is also called NEELKANTHA or Blue Throated with immense reverence. By doing so, LORD SHIVA saved the world from being annihilated.

There are 12 Jyotirlingas (Lingas of Light) which are held sacred by the devotee. They offer prayers at these holy places. These are mentioned below:-

Somnath ( Lord of the Nectar of Knowledge)
Nageshwar or Nagnath (Lord of 5 headed snake):
Kedarnath ( Lord of Kedar):

4.VishwaNath ( Lord of the Universe), Banaras-UP:

5.Mahakaleswar ( The lord of Death) Ujjain, MP:

Amaleshwar (Lord of Purity) : Lord shiva the purifier of all sins.
Trayambkeshwar ( Lord of Third Eye ), Maharashtra:
Ghrishneshwar (Lord of Positive Energy obtained from Churning of divine Knowledge), Maharashtra:
VAidyanath (Lord of Vaidya/Ayurveda), Maharashtra:
Bheemashankar (Mighty & Powerful Lord), Maharashtra:
Mallikarjun ( Lord ), Andhra Pradesh:
Rameshwaram (Ram worshiping Lord Shiva), Tamilnadu:

It has been observed that this earth and what it contains, universe and all that it possesses (the sun, the mooth, countless stars, etc) are the wonders which have been created by our Creator. These are created only by some SUPREME BEING to whom we can feel if we have right attitude and all the other fine-tuned attributes like love, trust, etc. He has fathered us for a purpose and it is our duty to fulfil the assigned tasks in whatever way we can – by helping those who are not able to help themselves, doing good to others, forgiving others’ follies etc.

I consider religion as a pathway to reach to our Creator, it may be any religion to that matter. One thing that binds us together is that our requirement(s) are the same. He has given His precious bounties like air, water and other the gifts of nature without any bias. Let us thank Him in our own way suiting us. I have written a poem “Lord Shiva”. Kindly go through it and comment.

LORD SHIVA

The Godhead amongst the Trinity,

Lord Brahma – the Creator,

Remains absorbed in His domain of Creation,

Lord Vishnu – the Preserver,

Keeps His Lotus hand on preservation.

The Lord of all Lords,

The most powerful & benevolent of all,

Enjoys special place in His realm,

Of death and destruction,

Dissolving in the process of fresh creation,

Since death is a means for rebirth.

Known variously by 1000 names like;

Mahadeva, Maheshwara, Ardnarishwara,

Nine Avtaras, Natraja et al.

During churning of ocean by Gods & demons accompanying,

He drank whole pot of poison which came out from churning,

To save the living beings from poisonous effect,

And kept it in his throat (kantha),

And thus is called Neelkantha,

Known for providing soothing balm to troubled souls.

The Lord is too found in Phallic Symbol of Linga.

He is the Centrifugal Force of the Universe,

And is mix of the the most simplest & complex amongst all deities.

Pile of curly hair, crescent tucked into it,

The Mighty Ganges flowing out from His piled hair.

With trident representing true virtues,

Coiled serpent signifying Kundalini,

The spiritual energy within,

Two sided drum (Damroo) drumming rhythmically,

The the hum of AUM – the core & initiaton of all Mantras.

Simplest in His appearance,

But complex in understanding,

With ash smeared all over the body,

Wearing Ruthraksha beads round his neck and arms,

Immersed in His Yogic mystic meditation.

He is the Lord who could be appeased very easily,

And bestows boons to sages and demons alike whenever invoked,

With love and piety,

The Omniscient Yogi’s abode is Mount Kailasha,

Where He dwells with our Divine Mother Parvati,

And sons Ganesha & Kartikeya – the Greatest in their own right,

Lord Ganesha for His troube shooting,

And Lord Kartikeya for demon conquering,

His Cosmic Dance is second to none,

By this Cosmic Dance all the Gods & Demi-Gods get enthralled.

When immensely provoked by inhuman acts,

Opens His Third Eye,

And annihilates the evil doers / the ferocious demons.

MAHA SHIVRATRI is the day of prayer,

When we all pray the BHOLE SHANKAR,

AUM NAMAON SHIVAYE,

May His Blessings remain on us all forever,

And may He fulfil all right desires of every being.

HARBANS KHAJURIA

VALENTINE’S DAY (14 FEBRUARY 2015)

VALENTINE’S DAY

(14 FEBRUARY 2015)

Love has many manifestations. When one is immersed in it, he/she gets everything in losing everything even the most precious one for us all. While we take love as a God’s gift, love gifts us many things in return. This return gift is all encompassing – a saintly feeling for us all.

While we are in love, we want to lose our everything for him/her. We do not care for our life, if that is at stake for earning the gift of love. We want losing everything including making supreme sacrifice for gaining the ultimate LOVE.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 14^th February every year. There is a very popular account that a Christian saint was imprisoned and prosecuted under the Roman Law for solemnizing the marriage ceremony of soldiers who were not allowed to marry. Saint Valentinus performed the marriage of these soldiers and broke the Roman Law. There is also a legend that while being in the prison; he healed the daughter of the jailer named Asterius.

Legend have it that before he was to be executed he wrote a letter finally signing as: YOUR VALETINE to bid adieu.

May this day usher in indelible love to us all and removes doubts and differences from us all in fact without biases.

VALENTINE DAY

A love which dies not,
A love which sprouts without bias
A love which gives strength to all.

A love which cares not for caste, color or creed

A love which surpasses in every way we feel.

A love which paints everyone with humane brush

A love which gives a sublime love a gentle push

A love which is eternal and magical

A love which is not theatrical.

A love which asks nothing in return

A love which burns all suspicions in turn.

A love which knows only giving

A love which teaches all the true ways of living.

A love which cares not, even if the ultimate result is supreme sacrifice

A love which showers only fragrance.

Thus cleansing the polluted air around,
Spreading goodwill for all without doubt.

Which remains unchanged as time passes doubtlessly
Even slippery time puts its indelible stamp of its immortality.

,
Even slippery time puts its indelible stamp of its immortality.
Like the Love of Saint Valentine,
Who for love’s sake attained martyrdom,
For solemnizing marriage,
Of condemned soldiers,
For whom marriage was a bar
Under the Roman Empire law
And marrying those forbidden once to marry,
Attracted his imprisonment,
And earned ultimately martyrdom.

While in the condemned cell of a prison,
With his miraculous touch he cured the daughter of the warden,
Saint Valentine sent out a farewell letter,
With words eternal,
“From your Valentine”,
These words have become a brand,
Now for us all to express our love with a huge sprinkle of pride,
Lasting till eternity.

Harbans Khajuria

Does a person with immense knowledge possess wisdom too? Also, is wisdom a permanent possession of a person?

Does a person with immense knowledge possess wisdom too? Also, is wisdom a permanent possession of a person?

It has been generally thought that a person who has got knowledge or has acquired learning is a person possessing wisdom. But in actual practice is it rightly so? The knowledge gained or learning attained through sheer hard work should bestow us aptitude to think and proceed further utilizing the gained knowledge for tangible results and understanding with insight that the results are seen on the ground. Knowledge / learning should make us sublime, compassionate, empathetic, pragmatic in outlook and above all God oriented. It should not make us egoistic or arrogant or power hungry. Wisdom is earned over a period of time and that has to be shielded from all sorts of temptations under whose evil influence it loses its sheen.

Demon king Ravana is a case in point that high prolific knowledge does not make a person wise. He was a member of a highly advanced and intelligent’ Yaksha tribe. He worshiped Lord Shiva and earned many celestial boons for his untiring worship, a great scholar of Vedas, Veena Maestro, authored a book on astrology – known as Ravana Sanhita, was well versed in Ayurveda and as per Lord Brahma’s boon had nectar in his belly which gave him the characteristics of immortality. But despite all this huge reservoir of knowledge base, he did a despicable and immoral act of abducting Sita Mata – the consort of Lord Rama while he was on 14 years exile! Despite possessing all knowledge or say wisdom, the King Ravana proved himself to be a slave to his sensory temptations. Allurements are thus our enemies and we should keep ourselves away from these,

Wisdom means possessing quality of a wise person, both in words and deeds; having the quality of taking right decision at right time without bias in judgement; being insightful evaluator and foresee the coming events and take corrective measures besides being dispassionate in every way.

Wisdom of King Vikramaditya. Vikram era started in 57 BC. King Vikramaditya, on the other hand, was one amongst the ten kings known for their sagacity, sense of understanding, scholarship and enlightenment. So much so he was attached to the will of God that he started penance at the tender age of five and persisted in his devotion for twelve long years. God Shiva graced him a celestial golden throne as a boon which was decorated with thirty-two statues. His rule remained for one hundred years and folklores are replete with his wisdom and fair-play in judgements for his subjects. No allurements could touch this pious king ever and that is the reason we remember him for his impeccable wisdom and cite him as an epitome of wisdom.

Wisdom gained by the grace of God has to be very assiduously protected and cared that it is not leaked through some tiny holes created by us intentionally or unintentionally – willy-nilly. With wisdom in our actions, nothing can harm us. In life, there are temptations lurking at every turn of our life. We have to keep away from these allurements with the strength of our will power. Saying a clear ‘no’ to the deceptive enticements is the answer to keeping the reservoir of wisdom accumulating, flowing and preventing it from being drying. The wisdom that we have acquired with fortitude and hard work has to be maintained and enhanced and not frittered away by giving more preference to our sensory desires. It goes to show that it is not a permanent asset but this has to be attained ‘drop-by-drop’ and not to let it dried up lest we become egoistic like demon king Ravana or king Solomon.

It should never be forgotten that we are made in our Creator’s mold and thus should try living as such. No outward yearnings should tempt us and take us away from spiritual oriented path. If we follow this path then nothing matters for us. We should love the ONE which is everlasting and a magic potion for all our cures.

Wisdom of King Solomon. Then we know the wisdom of King Solomon. He did not ask God for the boon of having ‘anything’ but he chose understanding and discernment; when God appeared in his dreams. God granted him riches and power besides huge reservoir of wisdom coupled with knowledge in various fields. He was prolific writer, a philosopher, a scientist, avid in many disciplines who loved art besides being the best diplomat which brought peace with his neighborly kingdoms.

Despite being bestowed wisdom by the God, he was lured into lust and other unethical temptations. All his accomplishments were brought to naught by his weakness for the material possessions and other sensual pleasures.

There is a perceptible lesson for us humans in this; when we give more credence to earthy wealth, power and pelf rather than spiritual wealth then our downfall is certain, despite huge reservoir of wealth or knowledge base, status and even God gifted wisdom could peter-away if immoral and unethical attitude make inroads in our lives.

Thus, it could be concluded that WISDOM has to be acquired and when acquired has to be maintained through our words and deeds. It is not KNOWLEDGE which could be increased in the absence of increase in WISDOM. Do let’s know about your experiences in this.

What is the role of reason and will power in accomplishment of a task?

What is the role of reason and will power in accomplishment of a task?

In life we have multifarious ambitions and competitions. For fulfilling these ambitions, we go all out – even adopting ulterior ways. Although, in olden times this competition was only for food and shelter besides survival instinct, where only those survived who could face the onslaught of climate or the marauders. Impulse of supremacy spurred the humans to evolve still further. This made man like a man possessed; making us subservient to comforts and thus losing touch with our Soul and Super Soul.

Everything that we repeat becomes a habit. This habit could be a good or a bad one, depends on us. We should not become slaves of our bad habits but make these our prisoners. When we apply reason and rationality combined with strong resolution everything that we pre-plan shows positive results. This should also be remembered that while planning for tomorrow’s action, yesterday’s action and its results should never be glossed over or forgotten. The experiences gained from yesterday’s action should be applied for today’s action; lesson learnt from bad ones and good ones to be replicated but with a resolute will power. Dynamism in our efforts can only usher in when we apply our will with discrimination – in the way we cleanse our body daily to keep away from germs. More so, more God oriented vitality will assuredly be the end result when we keep our inner and outer self cleansed off the smut we possess. This will keep us away from unsacred activities.

For ridding ourselves off bad experiences, it is paramount that we break every impulse that comes with iron will and then act, chaffing out the bad with discrimination and self-assurance. When a firm decision is made then nothing should stop us to transact that resolute action – not the last minute dithering or not even a last minute change of circumstances etc.

While cultivating ambition is all very nice when it is within confines of certain limits. But unreasonable ambition leads us astray. It devours us physically and mentally. It is like uncontrollable forest fire. Trying to fulfill one, another crops up and if not fulfilled, it creates all sorts of consternation, stress, greed, arrogance and ultimately destruction in value system on which humanity stands. For our reasonable ambitions to fructify without any adverse implications on us, it is important that we remain reasonably unattached with the results of our action. This reasonable ambition has the blessing and indelible stamp of our Lord and will not fail us in any way.

Then to be reasonably flexible is always a good practice. There are people who, without any plausible reasons, will stick to their unreasonable decisions stubbornly without even going through the pros and cons of it. To do anything bad knowingly too is a sin. When reason fails at the inception itself, then, there is every reason that act fails before it takes off? Risk taking is all right but taking risk without even going into the nuts and bolts of action to be done is unreasonable.

Right spirit in transacting something to be accomplished is also very important. It goes to show that the attitude with which we do a thing counts a lot. Right attitude leads to right results – if we at all care to be sticklers for the results. A negative and unreasonable mindset with a lot of skepticism means our path is littered with a lot of pitfalls. Contrarily, a thing done with sincerity and with reasonable positive frame of mind brings in enthusiasm, positivity, reasonable passion to excel; God oriented feeling and everlasting happiness dawns (soul’s joy)

I shall thus conclude; when reason fails, Satan start showing evidently.

What is the role of reason and will power in accomplishment of a task?

What is the role of reason and will power in accomplishment of a task?

In life we have multifarious ambitions and competitions. For fulfilling these ambitions, we go all out – even adopting ulterior ways. Although, olden times this competition was only for food and shelter besides survival instinct, where only those survived who could face the onslaught of climate or the marauders. Impulse of supremacy spurred the humans to evolve still further. His made man like a man possessed; making us subservient to comforts and thus losing touch with our Soul and Super Soul.

Everything that we repeat becomes a habit. This habit could be a good or a bad one, depends on us. We should not become slaves of our bad habits but make these our prisoners. When we apply reason and rationality combined with strong resolution everything that we pre-plan shows positive results. This should also be remembered that while planning for tomorrow’s action, yesterday’s action and its results should never be glossed over or forgotten. The experiences gained from yesterday’s action should be applied for today’s action; lesson learnt from bad ones and good ones to be replicated but with a resolute will power. Dynamism in our efforts can only usher in when we apply our will with discrimination – in the way we cleanse our body daily to keep away from germs. More so, more God oriented vitality will assuredly be the end result when we keep our inner and outer self cleansed off the smut we possess. This will keep us away from unholy pursuits.

Then to be reasonably flexible is always a good practice. There are people who, without any plausible reasons, will stick to their unreasonable decisions stubbornly without even going through the pros and cons of it. To do anything bad knowingly too is a sin. When reason fails at the inception itself, then, there is every reason that act fails before it takes off? Risk taking is all right but taking risk without even going into the nuts and bolts of action to be done is unreasonable.

Right spirit in transacting something to be accomplished is also very important. It goes to show that the attitude with which we do a thing counts a lot. Right attitude leads to right results – if we at all care to be sticklers for the results. A negative and unreasonable mindset with a lot of skepticism means our path is littered with a lot of pitfalls. Contrarily, a thing done with sincerity and with reasonable positive frame of mind brings in enthusiasm, positivity, reasonable passion to excel; God oriented feeling and everlasting happiness dawns (soul’s joy).

In sum; when reason fails to deter us from unreasonable activity, we come under the fire of stark failure.

WHY SELF DISCIPLINE IS NECESSARY FOR US?

DISCIPLINE

Observe the wonder of wonders

The outer space or unknown beyond

The planets, constellation of stars in the Milky Way

Their most disciplined working

Compels us to ponder

How everything just works wonder?

Some stars die of ageing

And wither away by burning

Others take birth on daily basis

In sync our Lord’s mere wish!

The centre of gravity

Of each planet works brilliantly

By keeping its flock in tact

Within its orbit

Gives us humans

Sufficient proof about

How His will runs supreme – so disciplined.

Yet humans with inflated ego

Like an overblown balloon

Continue the policy of subjugating

With false pretense so nauseating

That everything around them is taking place

Due to prowess of theirs

Which though is an indiscipline of highest order.

Self discipline helps us to shun and throw away

The vices which come in our way

These vices are the viruses like greed, anger & lust

Producing delusion – a state deficit in trust

And make us hollow physically as well spiritually

Rather than intoxication by drugs with effect so transitory

We could’ve this so eternally

By following a self regulated existence

Realizing the innate potentiality that exists

In us all with His grace.

WHY SELF DISCIPLINE IS NECESSARY FOR US?

Discipline in the Outer Space and Natural Phenomenon. There is a perfect discipline in the working of the Sun, the Moon including all the heavenly bodies. If there were no discipline, then, there would have been accidents in the universe between the revolving heavenly bodies resulting in sheer disorder and chaos in their working. This will also have adverse impact on the working of other planets. Then we have all the constituents of Mother Nature which work in perfect discipline. Various seasons follow the perfect system and discipline.

Discipline in Animals and Birds. There is discipline in animals; the sheep walks in its herd, even the ants follow discipline in their lives. How the herd of buffaloes or elephants in the jungles save their young ones or olds from the dangers are the example for us humans to emulate. Even it is true of birds.

If there is a discipline in the working of all the animate or inanimate things then why not in humans who have been assigned the power of discrimination by our Lord? Discipline hardly means that it is to be forced down our throats. It is not to be enforced through unreasonable coercion. It should come through self realization or self imposed discipline. Doubts are always there due to one reason or another but the one who surmounts the coming doubts with resolute will power and belief in our Lord comes out safe and sound.

Discipline and Spiritual awakening. God dwells in us but the evil forces like greed, anger, lust limit our reach to Him. Then continuous use of intoxicants and over indulgence in sex and drugs even make us slave to these bad habits thus shutting the doors of our spiritual journey and thus eternal happiness in our lives. The inhibiting forces create all sorts of negative traits in us; hate in place of love, selfishness in place of selflessness, resentment place of cooperation, coldness in place of compassion. We should not become slave to bad habits lest these become impediment to not only this birth or the future ones too. By so doing, we become subservient to our senses i.e. we become excessively body conscious. All these bad habits could be eliminated by self effort and proper discipline. For this, self restraint is the best course. Whenever satanic forces in us prod us for resorting to unethical acts, it should be stopped by our internal mechanism of resolute willpower. Here disciplining ourselves is a must.

Imbibing the discipline of Armed Forces in our lives too. While talking about discipline, it is worthwhile to know how our armed forces work. They follow a set of code of conduct threadbare. Loyalties, sense of fellowship besides integrity to the country concerned are the principles on which these men in uniform function. Armed force personnel are the torchbearers of discipline.

Disciplined Citizens are the future of a country. Even in political and social life of a country, discipline plays an important role. A country whose workforce are apathetic and tardy, backwardness in outlook, narrow-minded, indifferent to work, where workers only care for their rights and conveniently shirk from their responsibilities that country cannot progress and is doomed to go down. In this sort of a society women do not feel safe even in public places because of non-cooperative attitude of the law enforcement agencies.

A country whose people are progressive in words and deeds, where discipline prevails in all walks of life, where people impose self-discipline through self-restraint and perform, shoulder their responsibilities with dedication and with a spirit of accommodation take their country to the path of prosperity.

Self-discipline is a must. We’ve to have self-discipline, while doing any action, we can introspect, whether our action impinges on somebody else rights or not. Occasionally, we see that unruly mob resort to violence for getting their grievances redressed. So much so is the extent of their violence that they burn the factories which is the source of their sustenance! It amounts to burning the same boat which carries them to the shore? As we think so we become is the best example.

Disciplining the Mind. It has been well said, you are what you think yourself to be. If we doubt on every pretext then results will also be doubtful. When we doubt, we stop thinking rationally and reasonably. This skepticism arises when we think that everything that is happening is due to us rather than we being a mere instrument of a change – nothing more.

Discipline in our day-to-day actions. A disciplined person gets knowledge in every Karmic deed. Deed for that person is not a burden but a disciplined journey ahead with a total control of mind for the fructification of a work at hand. Contrarily, a person who does not control his mind and senses need no enemy. The mind itself becomes the enemy of that person. When we are doing our obligatory duties by reining in our senses then that action/duty yields wholesome dividends; we need not worry about the results when our actions are sincere and honorable. Important aspect of self disciplining or self-restraint too includes; being careful lest we resort to anger, greed and lust – the three enemies of humanity.

Discipline should start from home itself. The child should be disciplined from home itself. Congenial atmosphere ought to be created at home for imbibing right traits and values in the children. For this to happen, the parents themselves have to be more disciplined and set an example for the children to follow. If quality time is given to the child that child will grow up to be obedient and disciplined citizen, obeying all the rules and regulations in school and then working in accordance with norms of the society.

Indisciplined parents bring up indisciplined children has been proved. Broken homes are responsible for bringing about untold indiscipline in their children. These children grow to be aggressive and hard to discipline later on – creating chaos in the society in which they live.

Discipline and fear. We remain fearing from every conceivable happening – fear of losing somebody near to us, fear of some undesirable unfortunate incident, fear of losing our hard earned possessions, ageing besides our fear whether somebody will bestow us care and protection at our oldage, fear of consequences of sins committed by us during lifetime also remain clouding our thoughts.. Now fearing death will not take us anywhere. It is certain and cannot be wished away. It is thus a natural truth that whoever is born here on this earth will have to die so we’ve to discipline ourselves to accept the real things in life. Rather than fearing, we should try facing these and live peacefully – keeping our faith on God and surrendering to His will at all times. This is the only answer to our unfounded fears. Accepting with open hands whatsoever comes and not to be passive spectator but action oriented – being the disciplined human being.

In sum, it could be said that although discipline is hard to implement but is essential for forward march of the society. It is followed by casting aside all the passivity and baggage of dullness prevailing in our system and bringing in its wake God oriented freshness and spirit. It is thus important that we maintain discipline for living in harmony with our fellow beings in the spirit of give and take. With the grace of God more synergy and help galvanize ourselves for tangible results as a perfect human being.

In Bhagwad Gita it has been said: The power of God is with you at all times; through the activities of mind, senses, breathing, and emotions; and is constantly doing all the work using you as a mere instrument.