‘’Do Spiritualists are Escapists??’’

He was a nice fellow, did hard work, took care of everything, felt responsible for dependents but as soon as he started practicing spirituality or started following some baba he became weird, he stopped doing things as before even he neglected his work and engaged in something which is truly unproductive. Why? does spirituality taught him to leave everything aside? If is it so then I wont even dream to follow spiritual path…these are few thoughts arise in mind when we see renunciates or sadhus or celibates. But are they really irresponsible guys?

Bhagavad-Gita answers our query. Gita is the book of action, When Arjuna wanted to give up his duty as a fighter to become a beggar on the name of being non-violent spiritualist, he was actually chastised by Krishna. Lord told him, ‘’till the time one is influenced by material energy and gunas one cannot remain away from acting and even if you abstain from your work you will get reaction. Because you have born in material world, your material mind unless fully purified cannot give up thinking about sense enjoyment, so even if you externally give up your duty as a fighter and accept the robes of a sanyasi your mind will run towards the senses, that’s the pretension and very dangerous. So, the conclusion is to keep yourself engaged in your duties thinking they are an offering unto me then you can be ideal spiritualist while being a King.’’  

In conclusion Lord doesn’t approve the escapism at all, he himself perfectly performed his roles as a parent, a king, protector, a husband etc.  The people who have renounced the activities are not escapists or work haters but they are engaged in fulfilling the higher responsibilities towards humanity and world at large. Their main work is to aware the people about their own real, spiritual identity, to inform them about the real problems and solution, educate them in the spiritual matters etc, and when one understands these matters his aimless life gets true direction for living and leading.

 

Rupesh Gauranga Das

‘’Start wondering about creation to stop wandering in creation’’

Recently I had a chance to visit Devbhumi, UttaraKhand. I was simply mesmerised by seeing the beauty of the mountains and flow of Ganges.  And while enjoying the nature’s grace I started reflecting on the cause of this mind-boggling creation which included not only rivers and mountains but also birds, beasts, humans and much more which is beyond our scope of experience. Who made this all and why?

Bhagavad-Gita answers this aptly, Krishna says, I am the source of everything and everything is made to give you a chance to return back to Me in the permanent spiritual world. I had seen most of the scientists, philosophers were also thoughtful and tried to search answers in this regard but they never came to any conclusion, they were and still they are confused about the creation and its purpose.

When we accept the creator behind the creation and appreciate his acts we naturally get humbled in front of him, we offer ourselves for his service accepting the creator as our true well-wisher. When we do so we actually begin our spirituality and stop our materiality. The problem with the scientist is that they don’t want to accept higher authority like Vedas or wisdom of the realised souls, thus remain stuck up in their own speculative ideas of creation and keep evolving newer and newer theories. Thus, they keep revolving in the world of birth and death.

In conclusion when we see the things from the eyes of the scriptures we experience Krishna’s presence everywhere, simple things also charm us, pleases us and then when we glorify and appreciate Krishna for his gifts that’s the start of our devotional service which actually takes us beyond this temporary world to a place which is eternal, filled with knowledge and happiness.

‘’Does spirituality is an impediment for your ambition?’’

Competition is bad, I should be humbly serving others, I should focus on my spiritual activities and neglect my other or material activities, I had very strong ambition to do such and such thing but now I am not bothered about fulfilling those because they are anyways temporary and not going to help me for my next life, now I want to kill my all desires…. these are few thoughts which start coming in mind when we practice spirituality immaturely or without any guidance.

    

Actually, speaking ambition is not bad but intention of ambition can be bad unless it is properly directed. Just like Arjuna and his brothers pandavas were very ambitious, they wanted to rule the world but during war he was grief-stricken, few things happened and he changed his plan, now he was ready to live life like a beggar. He also started thinking why should I involve in this, rather I will spend time practicing spirituality. But Lord guided him, he told, ‘’there is nothing called as material, everything is sustained by my spiritual energy, if you see and experience my all-pervasive form and energy and serve that you are on spiritual platform (BG 6.30), you need not to do extra effort or special things for practicing spirituality, your regular actions will become devotional service when you offer them to me.’’

Again, and again Krishna told Arjuna that don’t give up your duty of fighting considering its not spiritual, just act for my pleasure, offer your results without being attached then it’s as good as spirituality. He told as a king you should fight and win your share, establish good governance and teach for the future generations to come by your own example. Krishna ordered, ‘’Jitwa shatru- kill the enemies and enjoy earthly and later heavenly opulence.’’(BG 11.33)

In conclusion spirituality under proper guidance will not obstruct our goals at all, in fact it will give direction and meaning to our aimless, purposeless life thus fostering our journey to ultimate goal that is devotional service.  

‘’Our devotional intensity will reduce our sinful propensity’’

I really don’t want to do that but still I don’t know why every time I end up doing the same thing, I am frustrated, hopeless, what should I do now… What not I did to stop this but each time I failed and committed the same mistake… Why do we do which we hate to do? These are the exact words uttered by us when we do, practice, commit unethical, unlawful or wrong activity.

We have to understand that we are made to do something or act in certain way but these actions are fueled by state of our mind. As our mind dictates we follow without hesitation because we are habituated to do that, we hardly use our intelligence, our discriminating power and agree go with the nasty mind to repent again later.

Not only us but the mighty Arjuna was also confused, he asked almighty Krishna that why I am doing which I am not supposed to do? who is that within me which is propelling me to act in certain way? Lord replied it’s a mind which is polluted by lust, it’s a sinful enemy of the world. He stated that this all devouring lust covers the intelligence by different degrees. Thus, passionate mind subjugates the senses and make them work for the fulfillment of its unending desires. Soul’s condition becomes like a prisoner. That’s why it becomes utmost important to curb this restless enemy with the help of higher powers.

When one practices spirituality, he tries to engages himself in the service of Krishna who is the master of senses, He thinks of various ways to serve Krishna thus his passion to enjoy gets transformed into passion to serve, in other words idea for sense gratification slowly gets off from the mind leading to the purification of it. The more we give ourselves to Krishna the lesser the idea of selfishness becomes which is the root cause of sinful propensity!!

Rupesh Gauranga Das

Does committing suicide foster our path of seeing The Lord?

a very disheartening incidence took place in Delhi few days ago, not one or two but total 11 people from same family committed suicide for getting liberation and to see lord face to face.

Now a day’s people hardly read and follow authentic scriptures thus create their own path for unlimited sufferings by following speculative instructions. Yes, our goal is moksha or the liberation from the world of sufferings but that doesn’t mean we should do it by speculative or wrong way.

an incidence comes in scripture Sri Chaitanya charitamrita, a great devotee named Sanatan wanted to commit suicide because he considered himself to be very sinful and un-useful for the service of the lord. when his thought was understood by Sri Chaitanya deva he chastised Sanatan Goswami by saying, ‘’you don't have any right to kill your body because this body is given by me and it has to be used according to my will, you dint have any right to destroy it’’. He also Told that if it was so easy to see the lord by committing suicide then I could have committed it Long ago. So simple but profound explanation, if the suicide was the way to see Lord then why the scriptures and great authorities of Vedas like saints would, gurus from disciplic succession didn’t speak about it, that means they doesn’t approve it, that’s it. 

we understand from above pastime that body, mind, soul and everything belongs to the God and we don’t have any authority to misuse it, overuse or exploit it or kill it, all these activities will simply bring sufferings for the conditioned souls. The best way is to use it as told by God himself. Just like we use electronic gadgets, kitchen appliances as told by manufacturer for best results. One is considered criminal for destroying the property of Lord which is very serious offence and he has to go through severe punishments.

If someone commits suicide or kills himself his condition becomes very dangerous. Just take the example of a person who is living in rented home but suddenly destroys the home without the permission of owner, what will happen to him? will owner offer him new home? No.. absolutely not, owner would have offered him new home with new agreement for specific tenure if he would have taken care of the previous home nicely. Same thing happens with the soul who commits suicide, he comes out of the body before finishing agreement of stay. He has to just be without body-

less till he gets new body. He has to accept the body of the ghost, that means the soul with desires but no faculty for any enjoyment, he sees, smells, hears everything but can’t do anything. Such a pitiable state!!

In conclusion suicide is not a solution for your problems but it’s a doorway for severe reactions.

*Spiritual lessons from driving* 

Since last few years I had strong desire to have the bike and When I purchased brand new Jupiter scooter I was on the seventh sky. This happiness lasted until I banged onto another vehicle while driving, that accident was minute but it gave several scratches to me as well as to new bike which taught me few lessons for my healthy spiritual life. Hope these lessons will help you too!

1)Drive while your are driving- after contemplating on this mishap I realised that for fraction of seconds I had lost my focus on driving due to which I applied front brakes instead of rear thus my vehicle slipped and banged on another vehicle which was parked aside. In spiritual life also focus is most essential, one thing at one time, eg if you are chanting get involved 100% into it. (BG 2.41 and 12.13)

2)Overcome the Overconfidence- I had not fully learned the vehicle, I was unaware of proper application of front brakes but still I dared to drive on busiest street of the city and rest is the history. Similarly a neophyte may think himself to be the pure and experienced devotee and execute the task just like pure devotee does but he may get slipped away from the position. 

3)Purpose - the purpose of vehicle is to drive you or to take you to your destination earliest. So when someone rather than using it for proper purpose keeps it at home as antic piece for show off then it’s a shear waste of money. Similarly human body is also considered as a machine(18.61) which can help us to reach our goal earliest, that’s the prime purpose, and if we miss that then it’s a waste of our fortune. 

4)Company(association) matters- it’s said if you want to walk fast walk alone but if you want to walk far walk together. With whom are you walking that’s also matters a lot. If the person siting behind you is distracted or disturbed then you may also loose your focus on driving which may again lead to mishap. Similarly in spiritual life our progress depends on the association which we keep, the real sadhus will inspire us to continue our driving. Healthy association is like lubricant which strengthens the engine, the impure association will again drag us to impurity. 

5)Adulterated fuel- vehicle needs pure fuel a minute adulteration will cause serious problem in engine. Similarly our soul is for seeking pure devotion unto Sri Krishna if we mix that with karmakanda and jnankand  and other philosophies the desired effect of Krishnaprem is prolonged. We need to fill the fuel tank of our spiritual life regularly with The topics only related to Krishna that will energise our engine. 

6)Who is your guide- I had heard if you know how to do cycling you can drive your vehicle and I tried, I was successful but for very short time. After banging onto another vehicle while driving I came to know that I don’t know many things. So in spiritual life also choose your teacher learn minute details from him, don’t just hear here and there and practice but sit in front of proper guru serve, ask and then experiment.(4.34) 

7)Where is your helmet? - helmet and seatbelt helps us to protect the vital parts of body. Similarly we should be careful in wearing helmet against vaishnavninda, just close your eyes, ears and tongue wherever  and whenever blasphemy is going on that will protect the most vital part where Krishnaprem is developing gradually, that is our heart. 

8)Servicing- for the well functioning of the vehicle for the long duration servicing is mandatory similarly service to the Vaishnavas is like the servicing for the spiritual practitioner. 

From comfort zone to effort zone

It's easy to be in comfortable walls where we face fewer problems, we receive predictable happiness and mental security. But by avoiding venturing out of our comfort zone we limit ourselves to vast opportunities for growth and varieties of experiences. By nature, every jivatma is very active but when he accepts the garb of a material body he is captivated and bound by mode of ignorance.  Unless one is very much inspired, under the spell of ignorance he tends to avoid responsibilities and always seek comforts for body and mind. Gita wakes us up to our real nature by its wisdom. 

As we see that even Arjuna wanted to avoid his duty of fighting and for that he was presenting convincing reasons in front of the lord.  Lord understood that Arjuna just wanted to be comfortable with becoming beggar so he didn't  allow him to do so. Rather by various means, again and again, he pushed Arjuna to take up to this war, effort. He says, Tasmad uttistha kaunteya yuddhaya krta-niscayah, Therefore get up and fight with determination (2.37), similarly we find  tasmat tvam uttistha yaso labhasva, Therefore get up Arjuna, and prepare to fight(11.33) etc. 

Krishna explains the importance of efforts and hard work, especially in the 3rd chapter. He says, do not avoid duties because without work you can't even maintain your body. He asks us to carry out our responsibilities without getting attached to it just like he himself carries out his duties although he is the supreme lord. Similar verse we find in subhashit mala where it says that, "उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति कार्याणि न मनोरथैः । न हि सुप्तस्य सिंहस्य प्रविशन्ति मुखे मृगाः" work gets accomplished by effort, industry, not merely by wishing. the animals don't enter a sleeping lion's mouth.

Not only in material life but also in our spiritual life we need to have this kind of attitude of taking efforts and not giving up easily for some cheap benefits. Generally, it happens that we tend to think, now because I have come to spirituality everything will be taken care by the God and I need not do anything, I will simply rest. But no, just like we see in Gita that Arjuna had to fight the war and then Krishna stood along his side helping him, making him victorious. Similarly, we all have our own wars and Warfield to deal with, when we become courageous and responsible like Arjuna then Krishna can provide his help in multifarious ways. Simply by sitting in one place and doing nothing won't help in any way neither it will attract Krishna, this is the essence of Gita.

Dusshera meditations

Our festivals are not only meant to be celebrated externally with pomp but also internally with introspection. We burn statue of Ravana on the day of Dusshera signifying destruction of the evil tendencies within. The character of Ravana teaches us multiple lessons to meditate upon.

1) *Power tends to corrupts*
When Ravana pleased Lord Shiva with his austerities, lord blessed him with all boons. By getting puffed up by powers he overpowered his own brother and snatched his kingdom and famous Pushpak Vimaan. Not only that he also started obstructing the religious acts of the saints and holy kings. He considered himself to be the centre of the universe thus he treated universal controllers like Surya, Chandra, Agni as his personal servants. He forgot their position and offended them.
Similarly when we get some authority we start considering others to be lower and insignificant than us, we disrespect them forgetting their contributions in our lives that begins our doom. The last stage of this mentality is that we start considering ourselves to be greater than God. Using this power, authority in the service of the supreme is the only solution for such disease.

2) *Lust deafens the ears*
It all started with the obsession to have Sita as his wife. What not Ravana did to have her. His cravings corrupted his intelligence and that's why he couldn't act properly even after repeated warnings by his near and dear ones'. Although being the controller of the many planets a thought of not having Sita as his wife made him incomplete he gave up all moral codes to obtain her. Similarly when we get obsessed with certain things we forget about the things which we own, making our life more miserable and frustrating.

3) *Time changes everything*
Position in this world is very transient, today's king is tomorrow's bagger. So one shouldn't be so proud of his positions. Ravana who had sovereignty all over universe was destroyed within matter of seconds by the mighty bow of Lord Ram and his monkey soldiers. However great, powerful we may become but time eventually snatches everything from us better use everything in the service of the real possessor.

4) *Morality stands higher than birth, skills and knowledge*
Born in high class Brahmin family Ravana learned all the scriptures thoroughly not only that but he compiled several verses glorifying Lord Shiva. His mastery over music was unparalleled, He had invented the ancestor of bow violin called the Ravanhatha which is played widely in Rajasthan even today. It's said he has written a book named Kumar tantra which describes about causes, symptoms and treatments of over 100 diseases pertaining to motherhood and pediatrics. But Ravana used this knowledge for his own selfish purposes. So rather than getting benefitted people were exploited by Ravana. Likewise we must understand that world won't get benefited by our knowledge unless we use it for their welfare. Also the same knowledge same skills can cause our destruction if used immorally.

5) *Nothing can help you if you are against the Lord*
Being puffed by boons given by Brahma and Shiva, Ravana started misusing his powers to go against the will of the Lord. He wanted to build the staircase for heaven so that anyone without performing sacrifices can enter into it. He was backed by the mighty Indrajita, Kumbhakarna and many others from the golden Lanka but they couldn't help him, rather they go destroyed while supporting his evil deeds. We also many times try to find out pleasures and peace while taking support of others but avoiding the Lord but that can't help. So we must fold ourselves in such a way that Lord becomes the centre and his service becomes the aim of life because that's the way to gain peace and bliss.

*Are you a diver, or a surfer?*

Scuba Diving and surfing are water sports played especially in ocean waters, the main difference between them is that one is played deep in the ocean while the other is on the surface. The surfer, sometimes, might be able to surf above or in the barrel of the wave, but eventually, he gets hit and thrashed by the waves again and again; whereas the diver swims peacefully. Just as the waves incessantly agitate the ocean, similarly various sorrows, miseries, issues, hankerings and other emotions constantly keep agitating and disturbing our life. 

Gita says that there is no end to this anxiety for materialists because they are like surfers, who want to enjoy and play with material nature, they make multiple plans, devise various schemes to exploit the world to become happy (BG 16.11-12). With a false hope that these tides will stop or will become smooth one day, they are busy making plans to acquire the flickering pleasures of this world, forgetting that these tides are not meant to stop and are meant to be here for eternity, that's the nature of the ocean.

Divers are those who swim deep into the ocean, they hardly get affected by the waves, where water is not just calm but also compose & one can even find tranquility. Diver is like a spiritual practitioner who understands that "these tides of the material ocean are never going stop, so let me change my approach of playing in this ocean". Diving deep also means going deeper into thoughts of understanding our purpose of existence, introspecting, enquiring, practicing and trying to achieve the goal of life ordained in scriptures. Just as one can find precious Pearls, Gems & stones in the deep waters, Similarly if one dives deep down into the Ocean of spirituality he finds valuable essence of human life, we find that Gita tells us that: we are not meant to just act according to our desires and emotions but we are meant to control them, direct them towards our ultimate benefit, that will make us blissful and happy. One who just keeps fulfilling his wants and moves according to his drives remains unsatisfied because wants never end, but one who tolerates and controls them understanding their true nature attains everlasting peace(2.70).

Arjuna and other Pandavas have not just survived but also won over the internal as well as an external battle because they learned the art of diving. Whereas Kauravas got thrashed and swayed away by the tides of Material nature. In conclusion, Gita's philosophy doesn't teach us materialism nor escapism, it guides us how to be in this world but not of the world. With the regular spiritual guidance and practice, this becomes possible. 

*Happiness Demystified*

Few incidents which had taken place in the past few days shook my heart and made me ponder "Where does Happiness actually lie?". Happiness seemed like a mystery for me after hearing about such incidents. One person was born with silver spoon, while the other had attained the height of his career and another who had received everything which he wanted throughout his life, but all of them were frustrated and ended up their lives unnaturally. For most of us, we can hardly dream of the luxuries, comforts and achievements they had possessed. They had everything in life, yet they were unhappy. What was lacking? What could be the reason? What made them take such extreme decisions?

When every other knowledge fails to resolve this query, then our last resort is 'The Bhagavad Gita', which answers all of them. It not only demystifies Happiness by revealing the root cause of our misery but also gives us the perfect remedy for it. In summary, Gita talks about the following two concepts of Happiness.

*We seek pleasure from those who/which can not give us pleasure.*
Seeking pleasure is not wrong but seeking pleasure at the wrong place is very wrong and that's the first mistake we do. We think happiness lies outside of us, may be in objects, places or in other people. We live in a misconception that "when I get something that I seek, I will be happy forever". Thus we plan, we contemplate, we endeavor, we put our mental and physical energy to obtain those things or relationships but after sometime we realize that the real pleasure doesn't exist in that particular object, place or person. We again start our search mission expecting some new results at the same old place in different ways or sometimes by same old tactics in different places or things. When we  fail and get frustrated, again we start searching for happiness, it becomes a vicious cycle in one's life, unless one puts efforts to break it.

*We neglect those who/which can give us pleasure*
We immerse ourselves so much in the false happiness of this world that we tend to forget the real happiness and its sources. Gita describes ourselves that we are eternal part of the Supreme, Who is embodiment of Bliss, Knowledge and Eternity. Just as a son of a rich father becomes miserable when gets separated and forgetful of his father, similarly, 'we', the souls embrace the misery as soon as we become forgetful of  God. As described in Gita, by re-establishing the lost connection again with Him by various means we can again experience that lost joy & bliss deep within our hearts. This bliss can be felt irrespective of material riches, wealth and things because it is the matter of heart, thus it can be experienced by the richest as well as the poorest too.

*Bhakti transforms lust into Lustre*

Undoubtedly our heart is a store house of desires, while some are good, some are vicious and there are some others which keeps prompting us for enjoyment. Lust is an intense craving or burning desire for enjoyment. Sometimes these longings are so strong that even the intelligent gets carried away and becomes the tool in the hands of our own desires. Lust blinds our sense of discrimination and binds us to our lower nature which in turn chokes up our advancement.

Gita describes, the lust to be an eternal enemy of intelligence. When intelligence gets consumed in the thoughts of sense enjoyment, we get overpowered by mighty lust. And then the mind and senses just start following its dictations just like a slave follows the cruel master against one's own will. Lust just drags us to the hellish conditions(16.21). As soon as we fulfil one desire another springs up, thus one helplessly wastes his precious time and energy in the fulfilment of unending, unreal and transient desires till the last breath of his life(16.11-12).

But when one's intelligence gets backed up by teachings of scriptures, association of pure souls (who are free from such desires) one gradually understands his actual position as an eternal servant of Krishna and his higher duties towards Krishna. With the determination to serve Krishna, the reservoir of real pleasure, under able guidance of those who have realised Krishna, it becomes easy to break these shackles of unholy desires from the heart.

As one takes up to the bhakti process, his mind, his desires, his intelligence, his senses gets illuminated by coming in contact with the all purifying Krishna(14.6). With the help of transcendental knowledge which actually brightens the heart, one gets strength to fight with this all devouring lust. Thus by becoming victorious over the lower nature which was the cause his suffering, he starts radiating and permeating the happiness which he experiences by being with Krishna .

Rgd

Are you postponing your happiness?

What is the first thought that comes to our mind when someone asks "When will you be happy?"

If our answers are more or less similar to these:  "When I pass my exams, I'll be happy" "when I get promotion", "when I lose my weight", "when I get married", "when I travel Overseas", "when I eat such kind of food", "when I meet my friends", "If I could be rich, I will be happy", "If I have a good job", " when I have a villa", "If I can attain this, I will be happy", "when I get that, I will be happy", etc...  Or our statements contains the conditions "If and when" then many of us are victims of 'if' and 'when' syndrome. We are simply postponing our happiness and constantly thinking, planning or waiting for the magical future. Even if we fulfil such desires they will be short-lived. Absorbed in making plans of the future happiness, we completely forget about present, which is in our hands right now. Rather than relishing present to its full capacity, we simply waste it by building castles in the air.

If we carefully observe the above answers, most of the answers are dependent on either things or somebody. Happiness exists neither in the things nor in other people. Happiness is our personal choice and it completely depends upon us. When we want to be happy, we can do it without being dependent on others. Happiness is our choice, 

we have the complete right to experience it at the moment. The more we try to find pleasures from outside or in others, the more we become miserable and frustrated. 

"Anandomayo abhyasat" we are all meant to experience happiness, but we have completely forgotten where to seek for that Happiness and what is that real Happiness. While running after false and temporary pleasures of this world, we have lost our contact with our eternal pleasure giving God, Sri Krishna. Vedic scriptures describe Krishna to be "satchidananda vigraha", the embodiment of Eternal Knowledge and Bliss. Lord Krishna is eager to share His Bliss with all of us. Bliss is even far superior than Happiness. When we come in contact with Him by different means such as chanting His Holy Names, worshipping Him, reading about Him; we can surpass the temporary happiness and can experience real pleasure within. When we start experiencing such purest and highest Bliss at all the times, we naturally stop searching for pleasures of this world, understanding its true nature. Then we situate ourselves in a state where external conditions no more affects our "Happiness".

The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places, don't stop continue your journey

Suppose you are driving a car to reach specific destination urgently but you see wonderful parking spaces which you haven't seen before. You park your car and take rest forgetting urgency of your travel. Now the result will be you don't reach your destination within required time also you end up losing precious time and energy.

Similarly when spiritual aspirant is progressing on his spiritual path to reach supreme destination many times he gets allured by verities of temptations which he has neither seen nor experienced before. He may think let me experience some of these and then I will continue my sojourn again with full vigour. But that's where illusion traps him. These allurements presented by illusory potency are entangling and not easy to overcome.

Gita describes rarity of human birth and it's ideal purpose which is to attain love of godhead but unless one is determined and focused on his goal he may get blown away. Saubhari muni's example reminds us of this fact that even if you are serious and advanced practitioner you will be tested time again and again. Thus it becomes necessary to keep reminding ourselves of that goal by regularly reading and hearing of scriptures which actually eradicates dullness of our intelligence and provides clear vision. Lord also talked about taking shelter of him exclusively if we want to surpass his illusory energy. When one understands the speciality and supremacy of spiritual destination he can be inspired to attain that surpassing all kinds of distractions on his path. 

Economising our thoughts

Imagine you go to a mall to purchase a thing but end up buying more number of things than expected and mostly the things which are not needed too. We all might have faced this scenario. What will happen?, as a result we will shell out more money and cram our house with things which we actually have no use for. Now we are in a predicament whether to have them or discard them. We do not want to discard them because we have invested our hard earned money and we can neither keep them because it requires more time and energy to maintain them. Hence it's always better to think twice before purchasing any item to avoid regrets.

Similar things happen within us at every single moment. We invest and spend so much of our time & mental energy on contemplating  unnecessary thoughts which doesn't help us in any way, rather we are drowned in those thoughts. Just as any physical activity requires energy, so does mental activities too, sometimes they require even more. These thoughts of selfishness, hatred, envy towards others, superiority complex, egotism drains us completely. Many a times, we identify ourselves with these thoughts so much that it becomes difficult to give them up completely. Constant contemplation on such thoughts occupy a lot of room in our mind restricting the growth of our healthy and positive thoughts.

When we sit quietly and meditate, we realize that the mind is just chattering unrestrictedly, roaming here and there, everywhere, unlimited thoughts just come and go through the mind in a day. That's why Lord krishna in Gita has emphasized so much on the thoughts which we invest upon(BG 6.5-6). A single unregulated thought can put us into most abominable circumstances, a single thought at the time of death decides our future birth, a single thought can become cause of our spiritual fall or rise. Thus we need to keep track of our mind & it's thoughts.

We have to channel our mental energy into the things which actually benefit us, elevate us and take us closer to the God. It is better to examine our thoughts regularly in order to immediately expel unimportant, sadistic, unrealistic and anxious thoughts from the mind. The same space can be filled with more creative, positive & constructive thoughts. And for one who does that experiences immense bliss and satisfaction in this life (BG6.7). In conclusion we all have a choice of either to thinking about things which are going to help us or drain us.

Ordinariness of an extraordinary

Janmashtami is the special occasion when the immortal lord Sri Krishna appears in the mortal world for several reasons. Actually occasion, place, reasons doesn't bind him or forces him to take birth here, he appears by his own sweet will, primarily to reciprocate with his loving devotees. Although extraordinary in all the aspects he becomes and behaves as ordinary human being and pleases his parents, friends, relatives and so on by his simple and heart touching acts. Being transcendental to the laws of this world he can just transgress them but to set good example and teach amazing lessons he acts humanly and shows his highly unusual powers only when it is extremely needed.

We can just meditate on his various pastimes to understand this. If he wished he could have killed Kamsa and other demons by his potency without taking birth through the womb of Devki but He appeared in the jail and that too also in the mid-night when everyone was in slumber of deep sleep, no one except demigods knew that he is born, such a simplicity. He asked his father Vasudev to carry him to Gokul and replace him with baby girl who was born to Yashoda, for that he travelled in the basket. In Gokul Vrindavan he lived a life of a simple cowherd boy who cherished to play with cows, his other cowherd friends, not only played but got defeated by them several times. He wasn't attracted by the well versed Brahmanas but by their wives who offered him simple fruits. He is simple for those who are simple and complicated to those who are complicated. He danced on the instructions of the gopis, he stole their clothes, their butter and their hearts by his simplicity filled with divinity.

His pastimes doesn't end with this but continues in Mathura and in Dwarka too. After killing Kamsa and others, he restored Ugrasena as the king, later he accepted Sandipani as his guru and humbly learned from him not only that but he offered gurudakshina as a token of reciprocation. Later He kidnapped Rukmini and other queens by defeating other envious kings, he worshipped sudama, Narda and several other rishis and Brahmanas regularly in the Dwarka. Although the most powerful of all He took part in the most important war of history as a chariot driver of Arjuna.

Through these various Lilas we see that the Krishna although being phenomenal and exceptional, he is filled with simplicity. Simple, ordinary and genuine things when offered with devotion please him the most we can see this when He asks for a leaf, fruit, water and flower from his devotees. Although full with divinity Lord also lived a life of practicality to set an example in front of ordinary people like us who sometimes simply believes in divinity forgetting the endeavour is also a inseparable part of successful spiritual life.

Are you ready for GST?

Tax is a financial charge imposed upon an individual by the government in order to fund various public expenditures. Some of these include expenditures on economic infrastructure (roads, public transportation, sanitation, legal systems, public safety, education, health-care systems), military, scientific research, culture and the arts, public works, distribution, data collection and dissemination, public insurance, and the operation of government itself. So there are different types of taxes such as commercial tax, food tax, entertainment tax etc. levied to recover money. And from today the GST taxation laws will put an end to multiple taxes which are levied on different products, starting from the source of manufacturing to reaching the end consumer.

In short we need to pay money for using systems, facilities and services provided by the government in the form of tax and if we avoid or neglect it then we become criminals according to the law. If we analyse and observe closely we will find that actually it is the nature through its cosmic management provides us all the essentials in the form of earth, water(rains), air, sun and moon rays, oceans, trees etc to maintain and sustain our lives on this planet. But it's surprising to know that we have hardly ever bothered to pay the taxes to that universal governance which is incessantly providing us with all those basic things from time immemorial.

Scriptures explain us that universal management is done by the demigods who are empowered servants of the supreme God Krishna thus We are indebted to them. In order to clear that debt, to live happily in this world and in the next world scriptures asks us to perform sacrifices for their pleasure which is similar to paying different taxes(3.10). Just like for a smooth governance there has to be a cooperation between government and citizens similarly to gain prosperity in human society there has to be a constant cooperation between a man and the demigods(3.11). We are not only liable to the demigods but also to the sages or teachers who give us the knowledge, we are liable to our parents who gave us the birth, we are liable to society that has facilitated our upbringing and to the so many others. One who avoids to repay these obligations in the form of verities of sacrifices is considered as a thief(3.12).

But the question may arise that if we are indebted to so many then how much time it will take to please everyone and nullify everyone's debt? Just like GST includes all the other taxes within it similarly when one engages in the service of Krishna, he need not to bother about so many other obligations. Loving service to Krishna includes service to everyone, he is like a root of the giant tree, when one waters the root of the tree every part of the tree is nourished. GST may or may not be beneficial for people in general but sacrifices performed as a loving offering to Krishna such as sankirtana yajna will surely bring fortune in the society. Pleasing Krishna is not at all a difficult task, even a bagger can do that. Krishna asks for minimum things like a leave, a flower, a fruit and the water in return from his devotees(9.26). In conclusion just like a lawful civilian pays his taxes to the government dutifully similarly one must understand the contribution of Lord Krishna in our lives from millions of birth and engage in his devotional service (may not be lovingly at initial stage but at least) dutifully.

Bhakti toughens the skin and softens the heart

It's a general misunderstanding that spirituality is something esoteric  with its unattainable, theoretical, impractical and only imaginary results. But from the point of view of those who have rigorously practiced it in their lives concludes that Bhakti is the most practical method with its immense attainable benefits, even an ordinary neophyte practitioner can see and experience some of these. These outcomes are extraordinary, substantial and more valuable than superficial and temporary material experiences.

Sincere practitioner begins his journey gradually from a relative to the absolute world by following the words of scriptures and realised souls thus start setting up the connection with supreme reality, Krishna. He understands and fulfils his material as well as spiritual responsibilities without getting affected by challenges realising the world is filled with dualities. Just like thick objects absorb the impact of striking hammer(toughness) similarly his skin gets tougher in the sense that he becomes indifferent when he is ignored, praised or blasphemed, respected or insulted or criticised or even physically assaulted etc. He continues to be concerned with carrying out his duties for upliftment of everyone without getting least bothered about reversals.

Although his skin gets toughened but his the heart is softened. He becomes sensitive in dealing with others, he makes sure that he is not disturbing or agitating or troubling others. He feels pain for others because he realises that on the spiritual plane we all are brothers and sisters, we have very close relationship with each other. Due to his compassionate nature he want to benefit everyone eternally. He eagerly shares his fortune of being krishna conscious with others because he knows the ultimate reason for their misery is lack of knowledge of krishna and forgetfulness of his relationship with them.

Scriptures gives us innumerable examples of such souls who have actually executed these qualities, Jesus is one of the example. People were criticising him, cursing him not only that but he was crucified (toughness) for preaching god consciousness amongst them but he kept wishing well for everyone without having a tinge of grudge in his heart (softness). In conclusion Bhakti gives us the direct higher experience which helps us to tolerate short material miseries and empowers us to share the joy of practicing it with others.

Before you go high, go deep

Just imagine an architect making a beautiful building without bothering much about its foundation. What will happen? Such a construction won't survive even a smaller natural calamities what to say of storms, earthquakes and floods, therefore foundation plays a major part than aesthetics of building. A properly-built foundation could sustain the wrath of a natural phenomenon at a much higher level and remain safe for the people inside it. Just because foundation is unseen we can't ignore its importance.

Similarly when it comes to a building of a life we care much about our goals and externals, our looks or aesthetics appearances than our foundations which are based upon core values and spirituality. Just like the nature life is also not smooth it's filled with many upheavals, it tries to knocks us down by various challenges and if we are not grounded well within then we may collapse (psychophysically and emotionally) like a building constructed by an immature engineer.

More the height of a building more deep it is within the earth. So if we want to attain the heights of success our life should be based on strong spiritual principles which act like a foundation. Lord krishna in several verses of Gita gives the characteristics of a person who is well established in his spiritual understanding. Such a person realises the real nature of problem thus remains fixed up in his duties in the midst of the difficulties, because he is fixed in knowledge he neither gets elated nor gets disturbed but maintains equal attitude towards good and bad situations(BG 2.56-57). Just like a Foundation transfers load to ground similarly when we are loaded heavily with disturbances, tensions, agitations etc spirituality can help us to unload or to bear all those things.

In conclusion, when it comes to building projects, the foundation is the most important work and the basis of everything that comes after. It should not be taken for granted. Similarly Life is much more precious and rare than any project if it is not well built on strong spiritual foundation one may suffer from occasional collapses in various ways. Thus we must fold our life in a way to include spiritual practices like reading, hearing scriptures and chanting, in it to make foundation more deeper and stronger.

Leap of faith or leak of faith

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” — Thomas Aquinas

Faith is an essential element in life, just like an air or oxygen is for the body similarly faith nourishes the heart. Faith isn’t just a notion that some people hold onto in tough times but we need it in all parts of our lives. We couldn’t drive our cars without faith that someone wouldn’t cross the divider and crash into us. If we didn’t have faith, how could we fly in an airplane, a metallic machine flying 35,000 feet high in the air? Without faith, how can we marry and decide to stay together for a lifetime with a person who has just met a few times before? A leap of faith, in its most commonly used meaning, is the act of believing in or accepting something outside of the boundaries of reason.

Similarly, faith is the root of Bhakti. Bhagavad Gita(9.3) explains, "those who are not faithful to the devotional service won't achieve Krishna." Faith goes beyond the logic, reasoning, and explanations. One who is always suspicious can't lead a happy life either materially or spiritually, “For the doubting soul there is happiness neither in this world nor in the next(BG 4.40)." A devotee has explicit faith that the Lord will protect him in every circumstance thus he keeps taking leaps of faith for service and mission of the Lord.

In the case of neophyte devotees when things go in their way they feel elated and joyful which increases their faith in Krishna but sometimes, when things don’t go according to plan, they tend to lose faith, not only in themselves but also in any potential outcome in their lives and in omnipotent God. Failure will do that to us unless we are deep rooted in spiritual understanding based on scriptures and teachings of saintly beings. When we experience life’s monumental failures, it’s easy to lose hope and faith in God and start doubting his abilities this is a time when our faith starts leaking out.

Despite having troubles in life to continue with one's faith in Bhakti process is a remarkable thing, in fact, such troubles deepen one's faith. It requires a significant leap of faith to believe that we can succeed where so many others have failed. Our scriptures give plenty of examples of such fixed up devotees like Dhruva, Prahlad, Parikshit, Kunti, Draupadi etc. who were amidst problems and dangers but continued to serve and to have faith in Krishna. They didn't get distracted by temporary upheavals, such devotees are determined to execute teaching and instructions of the lord in favorable or unfavorable situations. We see in the life of Prabhupada also that he had to face so many reversals and challenges to establish worldwide Krishna conscious society. It was a struggle but he did that without questioning Krishna and now we can see the fruits of that faith which has expanded into thousands of temples and millions of followers all over the globe.

In conclusion, when we go through situations when our faith gets challenged or weakened we must observe and study the lifestyle of great devotees who had put their faith explicitly in the mercy of Lord and continued their devotional service during bad times.

By Rupesh Gauranga Dasa

Those who always look for material security remain spiritually unsecured

Many people postpone their surrender to Krishna until they feel materially secured enough. They think when everything gets settled nicely, when we earn enough bank balance, when we complete all our material responsibilities then we will surrender, then we can practice bhakti and devote our time and energy to the God. But actually this feeling of security never comes, even it comes hopes and hankering for more security keep on arising in the heart.

Material securities are not only temporary but lead to miseries

However secured we may materially be but it's all transient. Greed for security never stops and even it stops the desire to enjoy those securities can arise in the heart. Then mind starts hovering over material opulence gained from such securities(BG16.13). In such situations, it becomes extremely difficult to practice bhakti(BG 2.44). More the securities more the attachments and anxieties till the time of death(BG16.11). Also, there is a danger that those who are secured enough may become proud of their abilities and refuse their surrender to Krishna by denying his existence thus bound by networks of illusions and immersed in unreal enjoyment they lead their path to hell(BG16.16).

Krishna provides both material and spiritual securities 

By the practice of bhakti yoga, one comes to the understanding of his real eternal nature and Lord's benevolence thus he doesn't get too much obsessed for material securities and desires. He knows that Krishna takes care of his surrendered soul by providing whatever devotee lacks and protecting whatever devotee has(BG9.22). He takes care of them by placing them under his divine energy(BG9.13). And while practicing Bhakti even someone fails to attain Krishna in this life or the next he is never overcome by evil either materially or spiritually (BG6.40)- means he is secured in both circumstances. 

Interestingly Krishna doesn't ask us to give up all our material aspirations and duties but asks us to use them intelligently in his service without being attached to their yields, that's bhakti yoga, that leads to elevation(BG 8.7). In conclusion rather than proroguing bhakti for some insignificant material benefits and reasons, one should start bhakti yoga from his very position by including Krishna in all aspects all his life and considering unlimited eternal spiritual gains of practicing it.

By Rupesh Gauranga Dasa