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

Life beyond Facebook likes

Our day starts with checking emails, what's app messages and most importantly Facebook notifications. We are eager to see how many likes our post have received. When there are many likes we feel elated but it's a painful to see our post lingering overnight on the timeline with a handful of likes. We feel dejected as if nobody cares for us, nobody wants to listen what We want to say, no one values us, we feel worthless, ignored and embarrassed. Not only that but we experience jealousy in the heart when others get more likes than us.

We have become so shallow that we define our value, success based on Facebook likes and others' opinions for us. Rather than thinking what likes us, what inspires us and following that with whole heart we start putting emphasis on what others think of us, what others like etc. The lack of likes is not necessarily a projection of how liked we are personally, or whether or not we are good enough. We must work on this wrong tendency of comparing ourselves with others based on some externals.

Start liking ourselves:
We have to understand that we all are different in the way we think, feel and do things. Everyone is endowed with unique potential. We must find out that unique nature of ours and work on that to improve and upgrade it. Each one of us is different with different success parameters, so it's better to compete with our self than with others. Make decisions that reflect our true self. Express who we really are, without being overwhelmed with the joy of acceptance and the fear of rejection.

Stop hankering for likes:
Even if we get likes after few days again we will desire for it and if we don't get that we will be miserable, better stop hankering for it. Let not externals affect our internal emotions, desires, mindset etc. Keep our inner world intact by not depending upon others' perspective about us. When we are satisfied within we won't hanker for appreciation through any means, we will be happy contributing in an efficient way.

It's not only with the Facebook but in life's journey also we are so dependent on others' outlook about us. We must go beyond likes and dislikes and find out the solid purpose to live with and continue doing it enthusiastically despite being recognized or ignored by others. Ups and downs will keep coming in lives through various means, dealing with them on the basis of deep spiritual foundation can protect us from all crisis.

By Rupesh Gauranga Dasa

Protecting the relationship from sinking

“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.”
— Dale Carnegie

However fast world may progress towards automation and robotics, every individual will still require an another human to love him because machines can not fulfil the most basic urge of the heart, that is 'to love and to be loved'. Relationships are the most important but simultaneously difficult to cultivate if not cared properly. Just like the plants have to be supplied with water, fertilisers, sunlight etc from time to time else they will dry up sooner or later, similarly relations gets flourished or can bear fruits when cared and gets broken up or uprooted from hearts when ignored.

Following things can surely help in nourishing the relationships.

Respect the difference

“When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.”
– Donald Miller

No 2 people are made similar, each single of us is created unique physically as well as emotionally. Individuality can become great asset If we can use it to grow, but can become great cause of frustration if we start comparing with other's individual natures and likings. Respecting the uniqueness means appreciating the creation of god. No one is perfect so rather than competing with each other and making life more complicated it is better help and assist each other on our sojourn towards perfection.

Expectations has to be minimised

"Expectations are cause of misery." - Buddha

It is great to have expectations! It is also natural to expect your partner to be there for you all the time; to love you unconditionally; to always understand you; to always remember your birthday. If you find out that your expectations are not fulfilled, rather than getting angry at your partner, ask yourself whether your expectations are realistic and attainable. Keeping unrealistic expectations and hoping them to be fulfilled soon can break the connection eventually.

Loving exchanges

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” — Carl W. Buechner

Although love is faculty of heart it has to be expressed with the words and actions, it's not a good idea to keep respect and love only within one's mind. Srila Rupa Goswami, a Saint and an aacharya of 16 th century shares the time tested formula of developing relationships by quoting a verse in his Nectar of Instructions which says by Offering gifts, accepting charitable gifts, revealing one’s mind in confidence, inquiring confidentially, accepting food and offering food one can nurture the connection with others.

Acknowledge the contribution
Many times we forget about the contributions of people in our life thus we starts taking them cheaply or deal neglectfully that can ruin our relationship. Recognising and appreciating their participation in our upliftment(physical or emotional) can help in bridging of several minds together. Inspite of having vast information available for keeping relationships intact for years together still we see so many of them getting destroyed because people fail to apply this knowledge in their practical life.

Trust

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.” ― George MacDonald

Trust is a super important part of a healthy relationship, but it’s something that many people struggle with, for a lot of different reasons. What does trust mean? Trusting someone means that you think they are reliable, you have confidence in them and you feel safe with them physically and emotionally. Trust is something that two people in a relationship can build together when they decide to trust each other. You can’t demand or prove trust; trusting someone is a choice that you make. Trust is important than love because it fuels the love. Trust is one of the major foundation of any relationships.

I consciousness has to be overcome
The only things which can harm the relationship is that to think how I can get benefitted by this. Relationship is all about to serve and not only to be served. Personal agendas are like tight noose around the neck of relationships. Self centred consciousness has to be transformed into selflessness. Relationship means Seeking to give more than you receive. As long as we have exploitative tendencies in heart the real relationship can never grow.

Overlook the mistakes

 “We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encouragers instead of critics.” — Joyce Meyer

To err is a human, no one is perfect so rather than pondering upon others' mistakes let's learn to ignore it. Make a habit of focusing on the positives. Pay attention to your and other's strengths.

Nonjudgmental

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." — Mother Teresa

Most of the times it happens that people react over the issues without understanding the intent of others. We judge very quickly just by seeing the externals but they are not always real. We should treat others just like we want to be treated by them.

Speak it up

“Assumptions are the termites of relationships.” — Henry Winkler

We are not the god who understands and notes down every single thing that goes on in mind or in heart. How others will understand us if we won't speak it up. Not speaking anything and expecting others to behave or act in certain way is illogical. It's observed that those who regularly share their sorrows and happiness with others at least through words they are more blissful than those who keep everything in mind.

Hold on

“The ultimate test of a relationship is to disagree but to hold hands.” – Alexandra Penney

Real relationships are much different than they are shown in romantic movies. When everything is nice and happening according to our way then it's easy to have good relations but the real test comes when ups and downs come in life's journey. Rupa Goswami gives the definition of love, he says, there may be multiple reasons to quit but still relationship continues and that's the real love. One must strive to hold on to it inspite of having many impediments.

Inner connection
We are much more than our physical body, we are spirit soul at our core. If we are attached to each other on the basis of physical charms and external skills then such relationships will end soon because neither the body nor anything related with body has permanent place in the world. But if we are loving each other, respecting each other understanding that we are eternal souls, servants of one God then that relationship can go beyond time and space. We must try to develop that inner connection with each other which not only includes binding of bodies and mind but also the soul.

Pure Purpose has to be focused upon

One can keep relationships with others only if he can deliver his dependents from the path of repeated birth and death. -SB 5.18.18

One must check what he actually seeks from relationship, mere bodily or mind's needs or something higher than that. God and service to god should be the centre of any relationship. If the foundation of relationship is strong that is service to each other and to the supreme , then all other mentioned things become secondary and relations bear the fruits of satisfaction and higher bliss.

By Rupesh Gauranga Dasa

Finding difficult to control Lust, try out following A,B,C,D...

While most of the people are enjoying delights of sex pleasure indiscriminately there are few who are trying to go against the current of material civilisation, for attainment of higher bliss by restraining their senses and mind by regulating sex. History reminds us by giving the examples of great personalities like King Yayati, Pururava, Saubhari etc that it's not easy to curb this desires but still not impossible. If one is unable to control his desires then he can't fulfil his material responsibilities also what to say of attaining spiritual world which is free from such selfish desires. Here are few principles which can help us in accomplishing our higher goals.

Avoid bad association
Association leads to aspirations and aspirations becomes the cause of actions. If we associate with those who are attached to enjoy through opposite sex, wine and wealth then we may fall in trap of material enjoyment which leads to reactions again. It's a vicious cycle very difficult to come out of it therefore One has to be very conscious about his company. Not only people but also keep a distance from magazines, films, novels, stories which aggravates our passion.

Be aware of your thoughts
Mind is like a generator and nerves are like wires which carry a current to machines that are compared to senses. When certain desires comes to the mind they are sent to the senses, mind propels the senses to carry out or to fulfil its wishes. As krishna explains in Gita, fall down of soul starts with contemplation on sense objects, this contemplation leads to lust(2.62-63) which is enemy of conditioned soul(3.37). Therefore checking lust at the very beginning is most important. Try to check your thoughts, don't let mind wander everywhere, keep it engaged in productive work(6.26). The more it thinks of sense enjoyment more it feels unsatisfied.

Control the diet
Lord explains in Gita about 3 kinds of foods, that is in mode of goodness, passion and ignorance. Gross part of food affects body and subtle part of food affects the mind. If one consumes passionate food like too hot or pungent, meat, fish, eggs his passion gets nourished which actually agitates the mind. Lord recommends healthy diet in mode of goodness that includes wheat, rice, lentils, milk and fruits which also helps in getting happiness and satisfaction(17.8)

Develop a higher taste
To be blissful always is the nature of soul and therefore it's searching for some kind of pleasure at all the time. When one is not experiencing higher bliss he will look out for lower form of bliss available in sense enjoyment(2.59). When the beggar is full with tasty, nourishing food he won't beg neither will eat cheap and unhealthy food. When we engage ourself in processes of Bhakti we naturally becomes happy and contented at heart and mind thus we try to give up enjoying senses through the medium of sex.

By Rupesh Gauranga Dasa

When puppy becomes happy....

Once a lady went to veterinery with her puppy. She complained to the doctor about his misbehaviour, his disobedience towards her. She was attached to puppy but she was worried because of his indifference. She requested doctor to cure him because she couldn't think to live without him. Doctor observed the puppy for a while and told her not to be worried, he asked her to leave this puppy with him for a day or more, assuring her of his cure. As soon as she left doctor called his assistant and told him to tie the puppy in buffalo's shed. He also ordered him to not feed him anything except water and to give lashes with whip if he barks. Puppy was miserable, whole night he couldn't sleep there due to hunger and mosquito biting and when he barked asking for something he was whipped. Lady came after 2 days, she asked about her puppy. Doctor asked assistant to free the puppy from chains, as soon as he was freed he ran towards his mistress, he felt comfortable in her arms, under her shelter, he started kissing her, licking her, he was happy. She realised the puppy is cured. She asked the doctor, "how did you do that?", doctor replied, "due to your pampering he had forgotten about his position as a dog and was thinking himself to be boss, we just gave him proper psychological and physical treatments to give him his identity back, now he is okay."

Many times people question about their existence in material world, they ask if they were happy in spiritual world then why did they land up coming here, what is the purpose of life so on and so forth. This simple story reveals their answers.

We the souls were staying happily with Krishna in his eternal blissful abode named 'Goloka'(Vaikuntha). But because of developing indifference, insubordination towards him we were taken to the hospital for curing our diseased attitude of 'wanting to enjoy independently from god'. Material world is compared to a hospital and illusory potency of Lord, Maya Shakti, the Durga Devi is doctor. By her various treatments categorised by adhidaivik, adhyatmik, adhibhautik miseries she makes us realise that, we are not the boss, nor the independent enjoyer, we are eternal servants who are meant to serve the lord.

We can understand Krishna's unlimited love for us through this act, he could have forsaken us eternally for our misconduct but for sake of us he creates this material world to give us an opportunity to rectify our mistake by understanding his and our's position. Just like puppy became happy by accepting shelter of his mistress we the individual soul similarly can experience happiness when sheltered by eternal master, Krishna.

By Rupesh Gauranga Dasa

Are you healthy??

Exercises are generally neglected because while practicing one needs to come out of comfort zone and really push himself to do it, but one suffer the health issues as a consequence of avoiding it. While I was in hospital for some treatments I was told by the doctors to start exercising regularly to stay healthy and fit so that there will be less possibility of body to get diseased again. People who do regular exercises have a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. I started exercising and now experiencing better results, it really helps.

We exercise to improve our heart health and we lift weights to build and tone our muscles. But what about our inner health? What do we do when we feel lonely, dejected, discontent, despondent, annoyed, depressed, tempted and frustrated? Research shows that for some degree physical exercise can heal mental sickness but not all. We come across the people who are physically fit but mentally ill (eg. anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviours).

Gita tells us that there was no warrior like Arjuna, he was perfectionist in terms of power and skills but still he felt crippled because of mind and refused to fight(6.34). One may be strong without but if he is weak within he can not use his strength effectively. As an to answer to Arjuna's query lord Krishna replied by saying, certainly mind is powerful and centre of all sensory activities but it can be controlled with suitable practices(abhyas) and detachment(vairagya) - spiritual exercise(6.35).

Spiritual exercises can help us in building inner muscles. It gives us strength to deal with temptations, provoking situations, bad habits and teaches us to be satisfied. Suitable practices involves engaging the mind in superior bliss which is available in practices of devotional service such as chanting and hearing, and detachment means keeping the mind away from inferior pleasures of material world. Sometimes one may need to really push and come of out of comfort zone to practice spirituality but it will help us to be fit and healthy within, making us immunised for all mental diseases. In conclusion healthy is one who not only keeps his body but also his mind sound and fit.

By Rupesh Gauranga Dasa