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Propitiating the Ancestors: Pitri Yagya

September 17, 2024, 4:02 am

Pitri yagya is one of the panch-mahayagyas prescribed for a human being. The other four yagyas include –brahm yagya (study of scriptures), dev-yagya (making offerings to devas by medium of fire), manushya-yagya (feeding fellow human beings) and bhuta-yagya (feeding all living creatures).

In earlier times, people would propitiate their deceased fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers by performing acts of charity in their name and chanting specific mantras. Our ancestors were well aware of the continuous nature of life and birth and what a soul goes through during the transition from one birth to the next. The Vedic Indians performed the rites of Shraadh, while the ancient Egyptians embalmed the bodies and stored food and supplies in the pyramids for their final journey. Ancient Greeks put coins under the tongue of the deceased and buried them from where they would be ferried to the underworld, the place where souls lived after death in their culture.

Life is a continuous journey of the soul, which changes form with every subsequent birth. The form could be that of a human, or an animal, or even a deva…Depending on karma, one gets the yoni (level of existence) and loka (dimension of existence). Pitri loka is a dimension between the swarg lok and prithvi loka where souls of ancestors (last three generations) reside in a body-less existence, if their karmas do not permit them to afford a body in the next birth. These ancestors then depend on their children and grandchildren to perform the tasks left unfinished by them to aid their release and approach them in several ways.

These are not myths or superstition, at Dhyan Ashram we have practically come cases where the ancestors have approached their kith and kin for their release. To quote a recent example, clairvoyants at the foundation traced the skeleton and presence of lady with a pearl necklace in the energy body of young girl suffering from chronic stomach illness upon scanning. When they described the lady’s appearance to the mother of the child, she revealed it was her own mother. At another occasion, a sadhak who was performing a havan for peace at the house of a lady, reported seeing a lady who kept distracting him.

When he asked the owner of the house for her identity, he was told she was a deceased kin. Subsequent havans were performed for the shanti of soul.

Shradhs are an important part of our culture and cater to needs of the ancestors who are stuck somewhere in the journey of the spirit. Starting from purnima of bhadrapad till amavasya of ashvin month, on these days the constellations are such that the gateways to the other dimensions open and they are allowed to visit the earth to meet their near and dear ones. Acts of charity done in the name of ancestors along with chanting of specific mantras and performing of yagyas, free the souls from bondages of these not-desired-yonis or levels of existences.

This Pitra Paksh, to avoid Pitra dosh and to get your ancestors blessings for, your healthy fruitful life, Dhyan Foundation is conducting daily yagyas and Gaubhoj from Sept 17 till Sarv Pitra Amavasya Oct 2 in special shakti kund. Guru ji will be guiding all yagyas
To participate in the yagya and to do gaudaan in the name of your pitris, visit www.dhyanfoundation.com

Crystals for Daily Life

September 17, 2024, 3:52 am

Crystals are natural minerals formed deep within the Earth, known for their unique energies and healing properties. Crystals have been used for centuries to boost well-being.
They are not just beautiful stones; they are tools that can help achieve our goals and enhance our well-being. Each crystal has its unique energy, own vibration and qualities and can help us to balance emotions, improve focus and enhance spiritual growth. They are believed to carry special vibrations & energies that can promote physical, emotional, spiritual well-being, bring positive energy and support various aspects of life.

Below are the some of the widely used best crystals, to help with health, financial abundance, career, relationships and spirituality.

Health : Promote physical and emotional well-being

1.Amethyst: A calming crystal that helps calm the mind, reduces stress and improves sleep.
2.Bloodstone: Supports circulation and detoxifies the body.
3.Clear Quartz: Known as the “master healer,” it helps with overall health and boosts energy.
4.Turquoise: A powerful stone great for the immune system and helps with general body healing.
5.Rose Quartz: Helps in emotional healing, encourages self-love & self-care, which is crucial for emotional well-being.
6.Carnelian: Boosts physical energy and helps in maintaining vitality.
7.Green Aventurine: Supports heart health and increases physical strength.

Financial Abundance : Attract wealth and prosperity with these crystals
1.Citrine: Known as the “merchant’s stone,” it attracts wealth and prosperity.
2.Pyrite: Also called “fool’s gold,” it helps to bring good luck and financial success.
3.Green Jade: Attracts prosperity and promotes a steady flow of money.
4.Tiger’s Eye: Promotes confidence and helps in achieving financial goals.
5.Garnet: Boosts motivation and keeps you on track toward financial goals.
6.Malachite: Assists in making smart financial decisions.
7.Emerald: Represents abundance and long-term wealth and encourages financial growth.

Career :Enhance your professional life with these crystals

1.Citrine: Boosts creativity and confidence in professional life.
2.Green Aventurine: Brings new opportunities and supports career growth.
3.Fluorite: Improves focus and sharpens decision-making skills at work.
4.Lapis Lazuli: Enhances communication and leadership qualities.
5.Carnelian: Increases motivation and helps to pursue career goals with passion.
6.Tiger’s Eye: Promotes confidence, courage and motivation for success in the workplace.
7.Amazonite: Helps to balance work-life and reduces career stress.
Relationships: Foster love and harmony with these crystals
1.Rose Quartz: The stone of love, brings compassion and harmony in relationships.
2.Rhodonite: Helps heal emotional wounds and brings forgiveness.
3.Moonstone: Supports new beginnings and emotional balance in relationships.
4.Lapis Lazuli: Encourages open & honest communication, strengthens trust.
5.Garnet: Deepens passion and emotional connection in relationships
6.Green Aventurine: Promotes harmony and love in relationships. Helps strengthen existing relationships
7.Pink Tourmaline: Helps heal from heartbreak, nurtures love & brings emotional comfort.

Spirituality: Deepen your spiritual connection with these crystals

1.Amethyst: A powerful spiritual stone for enhancing spiritual awareness and intuition.
2.Selenite: Clears negative energy and promotes spiritual growth.
3.Labradorite: Encourages self-discovery and deepens spiritual awakening.
4.Clear Quartz: Amplifies spiritual energy and helps in connecting to higher consciousness.
5.Angelite: Strengthens connection to angelic realms and spiritual guides.
6.Black Obsidian: Provides protection from negative energy and helps in spiritual healing.
7.Celestite: Brings peace and a sense of divine connection

By using crystals regularly in our daily routine, we can experience improved health, wealth, relationships, career and personal growth.

Using these crystals is simple. Carry them in your pocket, wear them as jewelry, meditate with them or place them in your home or workspace. Start your journey with the natural beauty and calming presence of crystals today and experience the benefits they can bring to your daily life.

Jyotsnaa G Bansal is a Reiki Grandmaster, Author, Numerologist, Researcher, Crystals & Spiritual Guide, Counselor, Switchwords Practitioner.

Why are we playing Russian Roulette?

September 17, 2024, 3:45 am

The maverick guru—Paglot Baba—heard the visitor brag and rant at the same time. It was apparent that the visitor was an achiever in corporate life, though extremely restless and paranoid, as a split personality. Despite his achievements, he had a string of complaints about life.

‘Let’s play a game,’ Baba spoke when the visitor stopped. He went inside the room and returned with a revolver as he announced, ‘This is a classic .38 Smith & Wesson.’ Everyone was intrigued as to what Baba was up to.
Putting a bullet in the cartridge cylinder, he twirled and closed it. ‘It’s ready now. Behind my back, I’m called Paglot, a madman. I need to maintain my reputation, right? Let’s play Russian roulette. Let me start. I’ll place the gun against my temple and pull the trigger. If it goes off, boom, I’m gone and the game is over. If not, it’ll be your turn.’

The room became heavy with indescribable dread. There were spiritual aspirants with a mystical bent of mind, and here was the guru behaving bizarrely instead of the sermon they expected. Agreed, he was called an eccentric guru for his unorthodox approach. However, this was stretching it too far.
‘Please, stop!’ The visitor shouted as Baba kept the muzzle of the revolver against his temple. The visitor was now sweating profusely. ‘This is sheer insanity,’ he put into words the thought that permeated every other mind in the room.

‘Why is this insane and not what you do, day in and day out?’ Baba asked as he placed the gun on the table. ‘You live your life on the edge, and I’m not using it as a positive term for being enterprising but what you do by risking your health, friends, family, and what you call mental peace. That’s what you are doing while chasing mirages that you feel constitute your life while disregarding and sacrificing everything of value. Despite that, you complain about life being unfair. Isn’t that similar to playing Russian roulette every day of your life? Your life borders on schizophrenia, yet I’m the one who’s dubbed a madman.’

It was the ashen-faced visitor’s uncontrollable sobs that broke the eerie silence as he kept repeating, ‘Oh god, now I understand…’

We are either one of the stupefied spectators or the visitor but there’s no denying that we too live our lives on the edge. Every single day is a dangerous game: living beyond our means, getting into meaningless relationships while putting important ones at stake, chucking our dreams by toeing the line and doing what others expect, taking decisions that we know could even jeopardise what we cherish. Each such decision is akin to pulling the trigger while playing Russian roulette. We’re simply lucky if the gun hasn’t fired so far.

Wonder how long we can continue to cling on to our luck? Ask yourself!

Hong Kong celebrates eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi with edible chocolate idols

September 17, 2024, 3:32 am

The Indian community in Hong Kong celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi in a truly innovative and environmentally conscious way this year. Under the leadership of the Amigos Millionaire Group, an eco-friendly Ganapati Puja was organized, placing a significant focus on sustainability. This year’s highlight was the use of edible chocolate Ganesh idols, symbolizing a unique step towards promoting eco-friendly practices during religious festivals.

Ganesh Chaturthi is traditionally celebrated by installing clay idols of Lord Ganesh, which are later immersed in water bodies as part of the Visarjan (idol immersion) ritual. However, in recent years, there has been growing concern over the environmental impact of these immersions, particularly with idols made of plaster of Paris and other non-biodegradable materials. These materials release harmful chemicals into water bodies, causing pollution and harming aquatic life.

To counter this environmental hazard, the Amigos Millionaire Group, led by its Chairman Raju Sabanani, spearheaded an innovative initiative with edible chocolate Ganesh idols. These idols are not only a step towards environmental sustainability but also enhance the meaning of the festival by incorporating community health and well-being into the celebrations.

Following the traditional installation of the Ganesh idol, the organizers carried out the Visarjan in an eco-friendly manner by dissolving the chocolate idol in milk. This symbolic yet profound act eliminated the need for immersing the idol in a water body. The milk in which the idol dissolved was then distributed as Prasad (holy offering) among the devotees, further promoting the sense of community and sharing that is central to the festival.

Speaking about the initiative, Raju Sabanani expressed his vision for a more sustainable way of celebrating religious festivals. “We encourage all devotees to adopt edible chocolate idols for worship and immersion instead of the traditional plaster idols that contain harmful chemicals and non-biodegradable materials. The immersion of traditional idols in water bodies has disastrous environmental effects. Our approach ensures that we not only honor Lord Ganesh but also safeguard nature.”

Sabanani emphasized that adopting sustainable practices does not detract from the religious significance of the festival but instead adds a new dimension of responsibility and care for the environment. “By adopting edible idols, we reduce the environmental footprint that these celebrations leave behind. The chocolate Ganesh not only adds sweetness to our celebration but also symbolizes health and prosperity without causing harm to our ecosystem.”

The eco-friendly celebration is a bold attempt to raise awareness about the environmental damage caused by traditional festival practices and to promote sustainable alternatives. Sabanani and his team hope that this initiative will serve as a model for communities worldwide, inspiring a global movement toward eco-friendly celebrations that harmonize tradition with environmental consciousness.
The Amigos Millionaire Group is committed to fostering a balance between cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.

Under Sabanani’s leadership, the group actively engages in cultural and social activities that align with their goal of promoting green initiatives. This year’s eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi was a testament to their efforts to bring about positive change, ensuring that celebrations are not only spiritually enriching but also environmentally responsible.

Through this initiative, the group aims to spread the message that tradition and sustainability can coexist harmoniously, ultimately encouraging more communities to adopt similar practices in their celebrations.

The Mindset for Changing Times

September 14, 2024, 5:29 am

One way we can live life is to have everything happen according to our wishes. If that transpires, how do we feel? Peaceful, content, and happy. But how often does everything go according to our plan – there are no challenges, and everyone does exactly what they are told to do? Most people say they do not see a single day like that. And what happens when problems crop up? Do we get stressed, angry, depressed, or remain in control of ourselves and the situation?

Take this example: many people get irritated when they encounter heavy traffic on the roads. Is traffic inherently irritating or do we get annoyed by it? It is important to make the distinction, because situations all around us are changing, often unpredictably, and if we are hostage to them, then there will be little peace and happiness in our life.
The certainties we took for granted in an earlier age are fast vanishing. Not too long ago, people used to retire from the company they joined as a trainee. Once you got a job, it was more or less assured that you would work there until you retired. But now there is no such certitude. Even if you do well in your job, you may be laid off because the employer has decided to downsize and cut costs.

A cloud of uncertainty hangs over nearly every sphere of human life, including our health. Those in their twenties and thirties are being diagnosed with diseases that used to be seen only in senior citizens earlier.

Relationships are also taking unexpected turns all too often. In India, divorce used to be rare a few decades ago and was seen as a disaster in one’s life. The few cases that did occur, usually had major reasons behind them which were mitigating factors. But now couples decide to part ways simply because they find that they do not think alike. Can two people ever think exactly the same way?

These developments are often attributed to the increasing challenges and complexities of modern life. Going by the current trends, the problems will only increase in future. If I believe that I can be happy only when everything out there is to my liking, then what will be my mental and emotional state amidst the growing troubles?

Many people believe that it is natural to be stressed in difficult times – thoughts of fear and worry arise automatically, they say. Do thoughts emerge on their own in response to circumstances? If that were the case, every individual facing a particular situation would have the same kind of thoughts. But that does not happen, and we find different people reacting differently. That is because we choose what to think in every situation. The choice is made in a fraction of a second, and is determined by our perception, beliefs, and tendencies. If we want to be masters of our destiny, not its victims, this is the first thing we need to recognise: our thoughts are our choice and, in our control, not the result of what is happening around us. We can magnify a problem or shrink it with our perspective. As the nature of our thoughts, so are our feelings and vibrations. If I think that a challenge is no big deal, I can cope with it, it will be resolved, then I will feel confident and light. My vibes will reassure those around me and everyone will look at the matter with a positive frame of mind. On the other hand, if I panic and start thinking, “What will I do now”, “How can I deal with this”, “What will happen”, I can very well imagine how I am going to feel. Those around me will be similarly worried, everyone’s energy level will be low, and decisions made in that state of mind would not be the best. Fear and worry constrict our mental horizon and restrict our choices, often stopping us from taking steps that offer a way out of the problem.

The key to facing any challenge is a positive and strong mind. I cannot control other people or events in the world, but I can certainly choose how I respond. The practice of meditation helps a great deal in this. It improves our mental focus and clarity, allowing us to think better, see all the options before us, and take the best decision.
We may not have all the resources needed to deal with the issue at hand, and it may not be resolved entirely to our satisfaction, but a strong mind ensures that we are calm, stable, and even happy while dealing with it – we come away from it unscarred. And that is what matters, because problems come and go, but what remains for the rest of our lives are the memories, the experience, and the lessons from how we coped.

B.K. Shreya is a Brahma Kumaris Rajyoga teacher based in Mumbai.

The power of inner vision

September 14, 2024, 5:25 am

“We see things not as they are but as we are” – Immanuel Kant

What we see is shaped by our inner world. Our inner vision is like becoming aware of the lenses through which we perceive reality, and spirituality introduces a new dimension to that perception. Our beliefs, knowledge, experiences, current emotional state, and our personality are the basis of our interpretation of what we see and hear. If we become more aware of what our inner state of consciousness is, then we are able to perceive the deeper meaning of what lies beyond our physical sight. In the same way as specialists in their subject have a deeper understanding of what they see. A doctor understands patterns of physical conditions and can diagnose accurately. An engineer can see a blueprint and understand deeper structural issues. A lawyer looks at a document in a completely different way from a layman, and understands the nuances and interprets them with a deeper understanding of the law.

Many of us have come to understand that under the law of physics, a solid table is not really as solid as it seems. It is made up of atoms, and is in fact, 99.9 per cent vacuum, yet even having that understanding, we are unable to perceive that constantly, and treat the table as a solid piece of matter. Our physical world is so much more dynamic than we can perceive through our physical eyes. We go about our daily life locked into roles of parent, teacher, our place in society, our nationality, and behave accordingly. If we could hold our inner vision in the awareness of who we really are and what we are really doing, our lives would be so much richer. More than that, we would really see the deeper meaning in everything that is happening, especially what is happening directly around us.

The way to become free of our limited awareness is to understand that life is really just a theatre. All of us have roles to play, but we are not the roles. We do not even originate from the theatre. Just like all actors, we have a home to which we will return. We actors are higher beings, extremely subtle points of consciousness, light, similar to stars. We sparkling entities come onto the stage and adopt our costumes and masks, and initially experience it all to be a glorious and joyful game. However, just as those who like to experiment with virtual reality begin to experience that virtual reality as real, and the longer the headset is on and the game is playing, the more likely they are to ‘forget’ they are human beings, so too, over time we have also lost sense of what is ‘real’. On stage, actors know who they are. Some are very clever at observing themselves as actors while acting their parts – they do not buy into the story and the roller coaster of emotions they are being asked to play out. They keep themselves above and give a perfect performance while understanding what is happening and appreciating the other actors and their roles.
In the same way, the more we can hold on to the awareness of who we really are, the more we are free to play our parts with the full depth of experience and with love and compassion for others. Everyone is good, everyone’s truth is beautiful, whatever is happening, because it is all an immense and seemingly chaotic drama. But, as with all dramas, there is a plan and all is working exactly as it should. We are all on a journey and when we are ‘awake’ to what is really happening, the love we generate transcends all the limitations of the stage.

As with all good plays, there is One who remains beyond all the action. The One who is in a position to remind us that we are not of the stage, but on the stage, as actors. That is the One bright star of Supreme consciousness that cannot be seen with physical eyes. This Friend can be felt and perceived through meditation, and because He constantly sees us in our own perfection, we can define ourselves not through our roles, but through His vision.
Sarah Fitzgerald is an interior designer, English language teacher, and Rajyoga teacher with the Brahma Kumaris in Cambridge, UK.

Your life is right now!

September 14, 2024, 5:16 am

Your life is right now! It is not later! It is not in that time of retirement. It is not when you have moved into the new house, or when you get a better job. Your life is right now. It will always be right now. You might as well decide to start enjoying your life right now, because it is never going to get better than right now – that is, until it gets better right now!
When someone greets us, let us not ignore, nod, mumble or casually say ‘morning’.

Saying ‘Good Morning’ should not be difficult. Rather, be in the moment, experience the energy of the meeting, and the one who has greeted us gets our message plus our pure energy. No matter what mood the person is in, happy, sad, silent, but regardless of their response, in those two seconds we can make their experience of meeting us a good one. Let us not wait for others to greet us on the basis of hierarchies, of age, position, or power. We often overlook the power of simple gestures that add happiness, like making eye contact, smiling, paying a compliment, or waving a greeting. By helping others feel good about themselves, our own happiness significantly grows.

Everyone is looking to be acknowledged, that they matter, through our words and actions. Sometimes, this is all that people need from us. When we greet an old friend, hold the door open for a stranger, or thank a family member, how do we feel? Our kindness in action will let others know we understand their value and importance. Each day, we can have unconditional acceptance of others and give good wishes.

Our responses to situations determine our happiness, and the response begins with the thoughts our mind creates. We can take time early each morning to sit and experience the self as a soul, meditate, and count our blessings, and in this way program our mind with only positive thoughts for a perfect day. Feeding the mind with good thoughts first thing in the day is like planting healthy seeds in fertile ground.

Our inner mental preparation, done with care, creates beautiful outer realities for us. Situations and people may be imperfect, but our state of mind should remain perfectly calm, happy, and peaceful. The outer environment is a reflection of our thoughts. There is no point in trying to change the outer environment – it is only change ‘within’ that will produce the change ‘without’. There’s no time like the present, and the present is all we have. Let us be still and appreciate what is right in front of us, be present, pay attention, really be with the people we are with, because in a flash, it is gone and a new moment has taken its place. ‘In-joy’ each day, moment by moment, right now!

Chirya Risely is a Rajyoga meditation teacher based at the Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Retreat Center, USA.

The Magic of Intention

September 7, 2024, 2:58 am

Intention without action is simply daydreaming or wishful thinking …

Every act we perform, consciously or not, has behind it an intention. Intentions are words and feelings, and like a compass they guide our actions/behaviour to our goals for the day. Intentions are the ‘WHATs’: What should I do/eat/buy today? Motives are the ‘WHYs’ behind the intention. They drive and motivate us and give meaning and purpose to our choices. Having intentions is like going to a supermarket with a list so that we are less likely to be distracted, and can stay focussed and efficient. However, should we be distracted, then intentions work like a GPS that can reroute and guide us to our destination.

Studies in psychology show that intentions are powerful thoughts and feelings. Whatever clear intention we have, sooner or later we will verbalise it. Those words will reveal our attitude and impact our behaviour. For example: a simple intention – “I want to rest all day today” will reflect our attitude for the day and impact our behaviour.

We may try to cloak our intentions, but our words, attitude, and behaviour will reveal them. No matter how polite and logical a salesperson may be, if he is driven by a desperate intention to make a sale at any cost, that intention will be felt and his attitude will make us uncomfortable; we would defend ourselves, confront him, or walk away with a polite thank you.

The impact of intentions on our brain: Today science speaks of the neuro-plasticity of the brain; that is, its ability to adjust and adapt to new learning at any age. If we have an intention to learn to meditate to become more peaceful and less reactive, the brain will attract ‘natural attention’ and bring awareness to us in our situations. A new calm attitude will gradually impact our behaviour.

Setting powerful intentions: Journalling our thoughts and emotions daily without self-judgement can bring clarity and a sense of liberation. Vision boards in cut-out images bring a three-dimensional feeling to our intentions. Positive affirmations such as “I am beautiful…, healthy…, healed…”, with visualisations using our five senses can actualise our intentions.

The power of our mind can access unlimited resources. Whatever we visualise can be actualised. A positive or negative intention is a deliberate effort and the manifestation is simply the result. The question then arises, if I can actualise anything that I intend, then what is the role of fate or destiny?

Man proposes and God disposes, goes the saying. Although our mind has the power to attract and accomplish what we want, there are forces beyond our control that come into play and must be respected. For example, we want a perfect holiday, but a natural calamity such as an earthquake or flood may not allow it. Or, we build a dream home for our family, only to lose it months later due to a natural disaster. That is fate or destiny at play.

The next question that arises is, if we are that powerful and can realise our deepest intentions, then what is the role of God, the universe, and divine powers? Manifestation of our intentions through spiritual faith is to invite God or the universe to be the co-creator in our life. Faith and surrender to God influence the outcome. Therefore, there is more likely to be acceptance of the outcome, with the understanding that the universe is offering us something better. This mental state brings humility, the feeling of being blessed, and resilience in our efforts.

What then, is the art of meditation? Meditation follows the same principles as the above. It begins with a positive intention, followed by high-vibration words and affirmations with visualisation to transform the self into a better and calmer person than you are now.
Here is the magic recipe: Your intention is like a magic wand that you point at the universe to seek its assistance and blessings as a co-creator to realise your desires, while respecting and being in awe of the laws of nature.

Meelu G Wadhwani is a teacher of Rajyoga, based in Dubai, and the founder of www.abundance365.net

Going beyond the Limited Ego

September 7, 2024, 2:56 am

The lenses that we use to view the world and people around us, rose-tinted or not, are affected by factors that contribute to the colour and shape of those lenses. Our emotions, experiences, preferences, and habits pool together in what we call a limited ego, and this makes us believe that what we see and remember is exactly what happened. This ego, spinning around its own interests and associations, positions, colours, and shapes the lens of perception according to its whims. It is like looking at reality through a very tiny keyhole.

The first reducer of perspective are the physical senses. We perceive only about three per cent of the electromagnetic spectrum. We cannot see anything before red and after violet. Dogs can hear and smell better the we can. Bats guide themselves around using sonar. Many insects and birds navigate around due to a map-like spatial memory, better than many human beings. Imagine if, for example, we could “see” people’s vibrations. The advantages of that would be tremendous. In essence, the world that we see, hear, and touch is not all that exists.

Secondly, we are limited by the roles we have to play. A mother sees her children as a mother. A boss sees the team through the eyes of a ‘boss’. In other words, the tasks and responsibilities exert a pressure that means we only perceive things from the perspective of the role. This extends to cultural aspects as well – race, nationality, religion, and so on.
The third limiting factor is our own story. We carry the memory of everything we have gone through in childhood, adolescence, youth, and other stages of life. All the events and experiences that we took from them crowds into a small window of perception. Objectivity becomes impossible as we take most of our experiences personally. For all the above reasons, it is only by chance that we can perceive the same thing in the same way as someone else. When there is an unlimited sense of self, the door opens wide and we can see things as they really are.

To open the door wide and have a full perspective, we need to employ three powerful forms of consciousness.

First, I am the spiritual being, conscious energy, or soul, and I have a body. It is my instrument for expressing what is in me, and experiencing the result of that expression. This consciousness opens the door to be able to see others as souls, and even to perceive dimensions beyond this physical one. After all, if I am a spiritual energy, and not my material form, there are other questions to consider. If I am not matter, then I did not come from matter. The place we try to reach when we meditate or pray, and is remembered in all religious traditions – heaven or nirvana – is a dimension of light, the home of souls.

Secondly, I am the actor and I have many roles connected to my family, profession, social interactions, and even culture, religion, and nationality. I am one and the roles are many. If I have this consciousness, I can fulfil the roles in a better way. I can see that every single human being is an actor in this play of life. I cannot control anyone else’s roles. I have to pay attention to my own roles, to see how to harmonise them with those of others.
And thirdly, I am not my story. I am the protagonist of it. At a particular point in my mother’s pregnancy, I came into the womb, and started giving life to my tiny body. At another moment in the future, I will leave it. In this way, I can understand that I have been around before this life, and will exist after it. I, the soul, will continue to participate in a far bigger story. The story of this life is just one chapter of a book.

Using these three powerful forms of consciousness, I can really change the way I interact with the world. I do not need to kill the limited ego, but learn to operate better by applying these three powerful forms of consciousness.

Ken O’Donnell is an author and the director of Brahma Kumaris’ services in South America.

Who are we?

September 7, 2024, 2:48 am

Our natural inclination is to see the world from a materialistic point of view. But when consciousness is brought into the picture, we gain a new and enlightening perspective. Consciousness is usually sought to be understood as a physical phenomenon, in terms of its relation to the body and the brain. But this approach is illogical and cannot accurately explain the truth beyond a point because that which is non-physical or metaphysical cannot be correctly known from the physical point of view. Consciousness can be understood only through consciousness, or direct personal experience.

The entity having this personal experience is the soul, the sentient being which brings life to the body made up of inanimate matter. The atoms that constitute the body are fundamental components of matter, and while they interact with each other through physical and chemical processes, they lack the characteristics typically associated with living beings, such as awareness and intent.

The soul is a subtle, tiny, sentient point of light. Tiny here means smaller than the smallest particle – the soul cannot be seen or measured under a microscope, because it is a metaphysical entity. The soul is immortal and indivisible. Life begins when the soul enters a foetus in a mother’s womb. When the soul leaves, the body dies.

In the body, the soul resides in the brain, near the hypothalamus, which plays a key role in essential bodily functions, including temperature regulation, hormone regulation, and maintaining a stable internal environment despite external changes. It is from here that the soul controls the body and expresses itself through it.

The soul has three subtle faculties – the mind, which thinks; the intellect, which analyses, discerns, and makes decisions; and latent tendencies or habits, which are called ‘sanskars’ in some Indian languages. Each soul is unique in its capabilities, which may vary over time.
The first and foremost quality of the soul is that it is sentient. Apart from thinking, it can imagine, dream, and rewind recorded memories. Emotions are experienced by the soul, not the body.

The soul uses the body to perform various tasks, many of them consciously and deliberately, and others involuntarily. It is the soul who sees, hears, tastes, smells, and senses through the sense organs. Tiredness and sleepiness are experienced by the soul, which can then withdraw from physical sensations and rest in sleep. During sleep, the soul ‘sees’ dreams with the mind’s eye. The soul remembers or forgets facts and experiences.

Willpower, attitude, and intelligence are all attributes of the soul. Underlying these are the soul’s seven basic virtues: truth, peace, love, purity, strength, joy, and bliss. These traits foster other desirable qualities like compassion, generosity, and sweetness. A person is in a good frame of mind as long as the basic virtues are maintained. When the soul moves away from its natural qualities, vices such as lust, anger, and greed arise. They, in turn, breed negative traits like dishonesty, jealousy, and hatred.

It is to be noted that the above are all characteristics of a sentient being; none of them can be the attribute of a merely physical entity, be it the brain or any other part of the body. What does that tell us about who we are – a collection of atoms and cells, or something more?

B.K. Girish, an engineer by profession, has been a student of Rajyoga with the Brahma Kumaris for 40 years. After working in various IT companies, he now devotes his time to spiritual service, including scripting short films on spiritual subjects.

Understanding Ganesh Idol Colors: The Impact of Red, Orange, and Blue on Worship and Rituals

September 3, 2024, 3:49 am

Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival but a profound spiritual experience for many, marked by the presence of Lord Ganesha’s idol. According to Vedic Astrology, the color of the Ganesh idol you choose can significantly impact the energy it emits and the rituals required for proper worship. Prashant Kapoor, an astrologer and the founder of AstroKapoor, highlights how the colors red, orange, blue, and white each bring unique divine influences to the celebration.

Red Ganesh Idol: Power and Courage

The color red, associated with Mars (Mangal), symbolizes power, courage, and determination. A red Ganesh idol is selected by those who seek to harness these powerful energies in their lives. This vibrant hue is believed to emanate a strong, warrior-like force, aiding devotees in overcoming significant challenges. However, the intensity of the red Ganesh requires careful and respectful worship, as its potent energy must be channeled with precision. For individuals ready to embrace the dynamic force of Mars, the red Ganesh idol serves as a formidable protector and guide.

Orange Ganesh Idol: Balance and Positivity

Orange, a blend of the vigor of red and the warmth of yellow, represents a balance between energy and calmness. An orange Ganesh idol is ideal for those seeking harmony and progress coupled with peace. The energy of the orange idol is both uplifting and stabilizing, making it a great choice for creating a serene and balanced atmosphere at home. The rituals for worshipping an orange Ganesh are more flexible, allowing for a gentler and effective practice that helps devotees maintain tranquility and stability in their daily lives.

Blue Ganesh Idol: Spiritual Depth

Blue, the color of the vast sky and deep ocean, signifies infinity, wisdom, and spiritual depth. Though less common, a blue Ganesh idol holds profound significance for those on a spiritual journey. The blue idol is said to resonate with energies of extensive spiritual knowledge, guiding devotees through the deeper mysteries of existence. The rituals for the blue Ganesh are often more complex, requiring a higher level of spiritual commitment. Practices may include keeping five Akhand Diyas (unbroken lamps) lit continuously, offering five meal Bhogs daily, and performing the pooja while wearing silk clothing. This idol is suited for those ready to delve into the inner depths of their soul and seek wisdom beyond the material realm, with the blue Ganesh as their spiritual guide.

White Ganesh Idol: Peace and Purity

White, symbolizing purity and peace, represents serenity and clarity. A white or natural-colored Ganesh idol embodies a calming and soothing presence, making it perfect for creating a peaceful environment at home. The energy of the white idol fosters tranquility, allowing for a space where peace can truly thrive. The rituals for the white Ganesh are simple and focus on purity of heart and intention. This idol is ideal for those who wish to cultivate a harmonious and serene space, free from intense energies, and invite the gentle presence of Lord Ganesha into their lives.

Selecting a Ganesh idol is a sacred decision, as each color brings its own unique energy to your spiritual practice. Whether you choose the dynamic strength of red, the balanced positivity of orange, the profound spiritual depth of blue, or the serene purity of white, the color of the idol will shape your worship and the blessings you receive. By understanding the mystical significance of these colors, you can align your spiritual journey with your personal goals and welcome the divine grace of Lord Ganesha into your life in a meaningful way.

The Moon’s Significance: Religious, Spiritual, And Astrological Perspectives

September 2, 2024, 2:22 am

Religious and Spiritual Importance
In many religious and spiritual traditions, the Moon holds a prominent place. While the Sun is often associated with the soul, the Moon represents the mind. The Moon’s influence is considered crucial for emotional balance and mental clarity. It is revered in various spiritual practices and is thought to embody sensitivity and emotional depth.
Astrological Significance

In astrology, the Moon is linked to a person’s emotional nature and overall strength. Its position in one’s horoscope reveals insights into emotional traits and future challenges. For example, a Moon positioned unfavorably can lead to difficulties in various aspects of life. Conversely, a strong Moon can offer joy, enthusiasm, and mental peace.
• Strong Moon: When the Moon is well-placed, especially in the 9th house, it can bring happiness, optimism, and a strong connection to fate. In the 7th house, it is believed to confer wealth, fame, and social standing.
• Weak Moon: A weak Moon may lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. It can negatively impact mental health, leading to issues such as poor memory, indecision, and even psychological disorders when influenced by malefic planets like Rahu, Ketu, and Saturn.

Scientific Role
Scientifically, the Moon is crucial for regulating Earth’s tides due to its gravitational pull. It plays a significant role in maintaining the natural balance of the Earth’s water element. The Moon is also known for its influence on vegetation and the nocturnal environment. It changes signs approximately every sixteen days, making it the fastest moving celestial body in astrology.

Astrological Impact Based on Moon’s Placement in the Horoscope
1. First House: If the Moon is in the first house, the individual is generally strong, wealthy, happy, and enjoys a robust physique.
2. Second House: A Moon in the second house often signifies a person who is soft-spoken, attractive, and enjoys a peaceful and tolerant nature.
3. Third House: Here, the Moon can indicate wealth through personal prowess, religious inclinations, and a cheerful disposition.
4. Fourth House: This placement often denotes generosity, respect, and a happy, virtuous life, free from major health issues.
5. Fifth House: The individual is likely to be intellectually inclined, virtuous, and restless by nature.
6. Sixth House: A Moon in the sixth house can suggest health issues related to the eyes and phlegm, and a tendency towards a costly lifestyle.
7. Seventh House: This placement often results in a person who is cultured, patient, and successful in fields like business or law.
8. Eighth House: The Moon here can indicate a person who is disturbed, talkative, and jealous, with potential business profits.
9. Ninth House: This placement is associated with wealth, righteousness, and a love for travel and learning.
10. Tenth House: It often signifies a person who is content, kind, and efficient in their career and personal life.
11. Eleventh House: The Moon here suggests restless intelligence, virtue, and success in acquiring wealth and children.
12. Twelfth House: This placement can lead to a person who is contemplative, soft-spoken, and prone to eye and phlegm-related issues with excessive spending.

Astrological Remedies for a Beneficial Moon
1. Chanting and Rituals: To enhance the Moon’s positive effects, chant the mantra ‘Om Som Somayanamah’ with a Rudraksha garland on Mondays. Anointing a Shivling with milk on this day is also beneficial.
2. Fasting and Worship: Observing a fast on Mondays and during the full moon, along with worshiping the Moon, can help mitigate its negative influences.
3. Wearing White: Adorning oneself in white clothes is believed to strengthen the Moon’s positive impact.
5. *Worshiping the Moon:*
– Perform Moon-worship rituals and observe the Moon during its various phases. This includes seeing and praying to the Moon on full moon nights to seek its blessings.
6. Donating White Items:
– Donate white items such as rice, milk, or silver to the needy on Mondays. This act of charity is said to appease the Moon and improve its position in your chart.
7. Using Moonstone
– Wear a Moonstone gemstone, which is believed to enhance the positive aspects of the Moon. Consult with an astrologer to determine the suitability and correct placement of the gemstone.
8. Engaging in Moonlit Activities:
– Spend time in moonlit environments or engage in activities under the moonlight, such as meditation or reflection, to harmonize with the Moon’s energies.
9. Performing Charity:
– Engage in charitable activities, especially those related to women and children, as the Moon represents nurturing and compassion.

By incorporating these remedies, individuals can work towards improving the Moon’s influence in their lives, promoting emotional stability, and enhancing overall well-being. Always consult with a qualified astrologer before undertaking any specific remedies to ensure they align with your personal astrological needs.

In summary, the Moon holds a significant place in religious, spiritual, and astrological contexts. It influences emotional well-being, mental clarity, and overall life experiences, both scientifically and spiritually. While a strong Moon can bring joy and stability, a weak Moon may lead to challenges such as stress and poor decision-making. Understanding the Moon’s placement in one’s horoscope provides valuable insights into personal strengths and weaknesses. By following astrological remedies, individuals can enhance the beneficial effects of the Moon and mitigate its negative impacts. This comprehensive view underscores the Moon’s integral role in shaping both our inner lives and our external realities.

From the age of falsehood to the Age of Truth

August 31, 2024, 2:00 am

Truth is an essential ingredient of moral character and ethical behaviour. In personal relationships, truth fosters trust and credibility. On a larger scale, a commitment to truth promotes social harmony, as misunderstandings and conflicts often arise from wrong information. In legal systems, truth is the key to justice.

In nearly every sphere of life, knowing the truth is crucial for accurately evaluating our options and making the correct decisions. For self-improvement too we need to face and accept the truth about ourselves and our situation in order to bring about the necessary changes in the self.

There was a time when truth was the foundation of society. Satyug, or the Age of Truth, is the first of four epochs in the cycle of time. It was the golden age when people lived in harmony with natural and spiritual laws. Virtue and righteousness were the norm. There was no crime or violence, and consequently courts, prisons, and armies did not exist in Satyug.

In the following three epochs, called Tretayug, Dwaparyug, and Kaliyug, humans gradually drifted away from truth and virtue. As they interacted with the material world, they were influenced by it. Their spiritual awareness weakened, and a time came when they lost it altogether. Forgetting that they are souls, or immortal beings of light who are innately peaceful and loving, they started identifying with their mortal bodies and relating to others on that basis. Ignorant of the fundamental truth of their spiritual identity, they fell prey to vices such as ego, greed, lust, and anger. Over time, this spiritual decline accelerated, bringing us to where we are today.

Earlier, it was natural – not naïve – to take someone at their word. The Ramcharitmanas, an epic poem from the 16th century, extols the integrity of rulers in Tretayug, saying that it was their tradition to keep their word, even at the cost of their life. Today, a spoken word has no legal value unless it has been recorded in some manner and authenticated.

There are some communities around the world whose languages do not have a written script, and their knowledge, culture, and traditions are passed down orally through storytelling and songs. They still honour verbal agreements, with witnesses invited and specific rituals performed to ensure compliance. The trustworthiness of the individuals involved no doubt matters in this.

But in supposedly advanced societies, it is different – written agreements often do not have the credibility that a spoken word carried in an earlier age. Even formal deals are worthless unless they have been secured with legal safeguards.

Just as weak eyes need glasses to see properly and frail knees require the support of a walker, when souls lose the power of truth, elaborate legal systems have to be created to uphold it. Numerous rules, procedures, and laws now govern nearly every aspect of our lives and almost all spheres of human activity. To enforce these laws, each country has a vast law and order machinery, including the police, investigative agencies, prosecuting authorities, and the judiciary. But when souls are in breach of spiritual laws, they fail to abide by temporal ones too. It is no wonder, then, that more than 40 million cases are pending in Indian courts.

Away from the field of law, where truth is sought to be defended and justice served by official mechanisms, public discourse, which shapes policy decisions and societal norms, has been corrupted by misinformation and disinformation, which often overshadow the truth. Conflicting sets of ‘facts’ are held as true by different groups of people simply because they resonate with their emotions and prejudices, even if such ‘facts’ are bereft of evidence and logical reasoning. Social media and digital platforms have exacerbated this phenomenon by amplifying false and misleading information. Social media users are more likely to share fake news than real news. The proliferation of misinformation negatively impacts public perceptions and behaviour, polarising society and fuelling discord.

Why is this happening? When individuals are far removed from spiritual truths and values, their commitment to any kind of truth is likely to be weak. If our thinking is distorted by fear, hatred, or mistrust, then narratives that conform to our perspective will look more appealing than the inconvenient truth. Many people now simply ignore or reject the truth if it contradicts their viewpoint and hinders their agenda.

From this post-truth age, we can return to the Age of Truth only when we start living the truth. The first step is to recognise that we are all souls, children of the Supreme Soul, and part of one spiritual family. Accepting this fact and reflecting on it begins to awaken the latent original qualities of the soul: peace, love, purity, and truth. As we experience these qualities more by practising soul consciousness and seeing others as brother souls, we realise that all that brings us true fulfilment, such as lasting peace and pure love, can be found by looking within. Living by our innate virtues brings emotional stability and happiness. And when we connect, through remembrance, with the Supreme Father, who is the eternal and infinite source of these qualities, the soul feels cleansed, empowered, and blessed. Truth then becomes our natural choice, as we find that it is the easiest way to lasting peace and happiness.

B.K. Brij Mohan is Additional Secretary General of Brahma Kumaris.

In the stillness

August 31, 2024, 1:55 am

“Strength for living necessitates finding a point of stillness from which I begin, and to which I return, every day: an oasis of inner peace.”
– Anthony Strano

We were always meant to integrate movement and stillness, and silence and sound, as we live our lives. Yet many of us spend most of our time only in movement and sound – no wonder we sometimes feel out of balance, exhausted, and unable to respond well to the situations we find ourselves in.

Stillness brings us back to self-mastery and harnesses the human potential from the very core. Going into a place of calm and quiet gives access to the greatness of the human spirit. When we look into a body of water that is choppy, full of ebb and flow and turbulence, we cannot see into the depths. When the water is completely still, we can then see what has been there all along. We can see into the deepest parts. In stillness we can see into the depths of the self, the soul.

Spiritual endeavour is about self-transformation. It is very important, when managing self-transformation, to flood the self with stillness to be able to profoundly see what is happening with thoughts, feelings, attitudes, perspectives – the powerful inner depths of the self. The single deepest longing of the human spirit, deep in the heart, is to return to our highest potential.

However, we cannot go directly to the new from the old. We cannot just glue wings on a caterpillar and call it a butterfly – the caterpillar needs the stillness of the chrysalis. This is a critical step. To move in a new direction, I need stillness for that movement.
“In the introspective space – I reflect. I recollect what has been forgotten for a long time.”
– Anthony Strano

In the still mirror inside, I see who I really am. All I have to do is close the gap between that which I really am and where I am now. For this to happen, stillness is the chrysalis that will activate a completely different operating system. We need a reset. Just as when a defibrillator shocks a heart that is out of synch – it will restart and function normally. We emerge from the times of stillness with a different way of being, which means we do things differently, we do things in a new way, the ‘normal’ way of being. We return to responding with clarity to our life’s story, and not reacting in the same old way with the same old outcomes.

What is it that we are connecting with in the stillness? With the long-forgotten true self, in a state where silence heals. Sometimes, physical stillness and physical silence are confused with spiritual stillness and silence. But they are very different. What we aim to do is maintain an inner stillness and silence while in physical action. However, there is something more going on as we return to the self. We are able, in that stillness, to not only return to the roots but also to the Seed. A return to God – a separate entity from I, the soul. That Being exists to remind us of who we really are, and our most intimate and eternal relationship is with that Being. In silence, in that reunion with the self, I have communion with the Divine. Then, when I come back into the field of expression, I am operating at my highest, most gracious potential.

Judi Rich is a graphic designer and fitness instructor. She is the Brahma Kumaris Centre Coordinator in Calgary, Canada.

Chaos Theory Resolved

August 31, 2024, 1:50 am

A visitor from a distant galaxy would probably be mystified by this planet’s utter turmoil, seeing the incredible juxtaposition of luxury lifestyles and rapid technological innovation, with numerous wars and disputes, hunger, poverty, and ecological destruction.

This is a world of complex chaos, related to one root cause: abandoning spiritual acceptance and respect for each one’s part. A global amnesia, where all have forgotten who and what they are. We are like children freed from the classroom, running amok without guidance and structure, concerned only with satisfying some basic personal needs. We find overlapping resentments and anger when needs mix and clash, resulting in the familiar repercussions.

So, are we doomed to be just survivors in a maze of difficult situations and issues? I believe using the analogy of a play will help us gain clarity and formulate a positive response to the dysfunctional turmoil of the present time.

A play comprises actors, in specific scenarios, with specific roles and lines to deliver at the appropriate time. When each one forgets these or loses awareness of when and where they should interact, things go wrong for themselves and others in the play. Does that sound familiar?

At present, circumstances are such that many have become disillusioned with the scenarios they are in, and frustrated by the part they have to play. They have become distracted by wishing they could play another’s part, or make their own part like another’s; their lines, exits and entrances, identities and interactions, are forgotten or entangled. Abandoning their original role, many try to create a new role, and by doing so step out of sync with the overall harmony of life’s unlimited drama. Chaos ensues, and the play loses all meaning and direction.

It is through the teachings of spirituality that order can be restored. The teaching of self–realization provides the avenue to bring order to this rampant confusion. The mind that lives in the awareness of the soul, a soul-centred mind, has the strength to hold this awareness as it continues to play the part destined for them. In this way, order is reestablished and the soul becomes full of enthusiasm and courage to move forward. It moves into a state of contentment with the role and part it has to play. Out of chaos and havoc come harmony and order. Life takes on a new meaning and each one becomes the hero of their own story.

Jim Ryan has a background in education. He is an author and a Brahma Kumaris Rajyoga teacher, based at the Global Retreat Centre, Oxford, UK.

Ten sutras for a positive spiritual life

August 26, 2024, 6:10 pm

We all need some pointers for introspection in our spiritual journey. Here I present ten sutras or pointers for a positive spiritual life.

Sutra 1.

No one can solve our problems. Remember we are your own problem-creator and solver. We think that something is a problem and when we imagine it is not in our control we get stressed. We must think that there is an inherent solution that lies within each problem and we have that under our thinking and control. We must give any so-called problem, time, thought, and effort.

Sutra 2.

We must avoid taking advice from anyone, especially from those whom we do not want to be like. We think that we need someone else to guide us but we need to remember that all of us are endowed with the capability of self-reasoning and self-control to guide our destiny. We should not rely on anyone else for such guidance because each person has a different journey on this planet and there are no ideal role models.

Sutra 3.

We must identify our bondages and get rid of them slowly and steadily. We all are tied down with material needs and wants. We must strive to become less and less dependent on worldly possessions.

Sutra 4.

We must not share our personal life with anyone Remember no one one has earned the right to know it. No one will understand our struggles, our situation, or our challenges and we must strive to be self-independent.

Sutra 5.

We must keep our thinking high but focus on living a simple life. We must strive for ideals and at the same time live within our means and try to reduce our wants.

Sutra 6.

We do not need any self-help books or wise people sitting on a pedestal to guide us. All we need is self-introspection. Each human being is capable of self-reflection and self-improvement.

Sutra 7.

If someone makes more money than us then it is good for them, and we should have nothing to do with it. Often looking at nice things with other people we compare ourselves which leads to jealousy and other negative emotions. This only frustrates us and has no place on the spiritual path.

Sutra 8.

No one cares about how we look or what we have. Let us stop worrying about what others will think. Such a worry is unnecessary and is a hindrance in our journey of consciousness.

Sutra 9.

If we find someone smarter than us, let us not compete but collaborate with them. At the same time, we must avoid unnecessary collaborations.

Sutra 10.

Let us focus our journey on continued self-improvement and reduce distractions. Often we lose our direction toward perfection of the journey of our consciousness which must be curtailed.

Dr. Manoj Sharma is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA. He is an avid practitioner of Kundalini Yoga.

The quintessential eco warrior

August 26, 2024, 5:56 pm

The clouds rumbled with menacing intent, and they soon burst into a downpour that refused to subside. First, the river overflowed, which was followed by fields getting inundated, and eventually the villages that floated in the water. The villagers cried, howled and begged for mercy from Indra, to whom they had prayed for centuries. ‘It’s Indra’s wrath that we’re bearing the brunt of,’ cried one of the villagers as others agreed with him. ‘We shouldn’t have stopped praying to him.’

Only recently, on young Krishna’s insistence, they had prayed to their cows, nearby trees, fields and the surrounding mountains, including the mighty Govardhan, instead of the traditional yagna for appeasing Indra. And now they were facing Indra’s ire. Since they heeded Krishna’s words, they again turned to him for a solution.

Krishna was witness to the mayhem. Vrindavan, Gokul and its nearby villages, that till a few days ago were mesmerising and enchanting, now bore the brunt of savagery. The plight of the hapless villagers and the animals made Krishna realise that it was time to step in. Asking the villagers to gather at the base of Govardhan mountain, young Krishna lifted the mountain on his fingertip. It became a shelter for the villagers, along with the animals. For days on end, Indra thundered and spewed venom through unbearable lightning, storms and incessant rain. During all this, Krishna steadfastly held the mighty Govardhan. Soon, the villagers felt a warm embrace in Krishna’s compassionate presence, and Indra realised the futility of punishing people just because they didn’t pray to him.

Going through the old narrative, we must ask ourselves what Krishna intends to convey through his actions and words. Was he merely asking the village folks of Gokul and Vrindavan to pray to Govardhan instead of Indra? Was he asking posterity to follow suit, even if they stayed at faraway places? Or is there a deeper meaning hidden in it?

While we might revel at the rich narrative and continue with our centuries-old traditions, let Krishna’s words and actions go deep inside our hearts and minds. The story seems to offer a different perspective. Perhaps Krishna is asking us to acknowledge and connect with the accessible energy that manifests all around us. He’s asking us to revere the nature around us in its different manifestations, as it is the ultimate nourisher and protector. This Janmasthami, while we continue with our traditional worship, let’s also acknowledge the importance of the nature around us and reverently bow down to it. Merely touching a vernal wood, caring for a stray animal, or planting a sapling could be an ideal starting point. That’ll definitely please Krishna, the ultimate eco warrior.

Blurb:

This Janmasthami, while we continue with our traditional worship, let’s also acknowledge the importance of the nature around us and reverently bow down to it. That’ll definitely please Krishna, the ultimate eco warrior.

Numerological Impact of Zodiac Rulers on Our Lives

August 26, 2024, 5:51 pm

(Part -1 Understanding The Divine Connections Between Our Birthdates & The Zodiac Rulers)

Numerology and Zodiac Rulers:

In numerology, each number has a vibrational essence that can be correlated with the rulership of the zodiacs. Each of the twelve zodiac signs is governed by a specific ruling planet. These ruling planets play a pivotal role in shaping the personality, behavioral traits, strengths, weaknesses and life path/destinies of individuals born under their influence at Body, Mind and Soul level.

By understanding the divine connections between our birthdates and zodiac rulers, we can gain a more holistic understanding of a person’s nature, their innate tendencies, life challenges and potentials.

Here’s an overview of each zodiac sign, its ruling planet and main features including positive and negative aspects:

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Ruler -Mars (9)

Element -Fire: Mars endows Aries with assertiveness, courage, pioneering spirit with competitive nature & natural leadership qualities. They are bold, enthusiastic, ambitious, spontaneous, independent and direct but can be impulsive and aggressive. They are often seen as assertive, dynamic and competitive but may struggle with patience. They can be extravagant, forceful and energetic.

Traits: Bold, Courageous, Daring, Adventurous, Determined, Passionate, High energy, Independent, Warm-hearted, Confident, Impatient, Reckless, Argumentative

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 20)

Ruler -Venus (6)

Element -Earth: Venus blesses Taurus with a love of beauty, a strong aesthetic sense, stability, comfort and sensual pleasures. Taureans are reliable, patient and practical, good at finance, valuing consistency and loyalty but can be domineering, materialistic and stubborn.They might be inclined towards sensuality, creativity and material security.

Traits: Trustworthy, Practical, Kind, Generous, Hardworking, Loyal, Independent, Patient, Stubborn, Possessive, Jealous, Secretive, Inflexible.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

Ruler -Mercury (5)

Element -Air Mercury influences Gemini with communication skills, intellectual curiosity and adaptability. Geminis are quick-witted, curious, sociable, versatile, quick and active, with great powers of intellect but can be inconsistent and superficial. They are adept at learning and sharing information but may struggle with focus and depth. They are of dualistic nature, nervous and restless.

Traits: Intelligent, Adventurous, Open-minded, Youthful, Social, Charming, Clever, Curious, Adaptable, Impatient, Restless, Manipulative, Unpredictable

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

Ruler -Moon (2)

Element -Water: Moon gives Cancer emotional depth, nurturing instincts and a strong sense of home and family. Cancerians may be highly empathetic, nurturing, sensitive, sympathetic, kind, emotional, sensitive and receptive as the Moon governs emotions and intuition. They are protective, desire power and fame & value emotional security. They can be moody and overly sensitive, may struggle with letting go and vulnerability.

Traits: Caring, Nurturing, Protective, Affectionate, Imaginative, Deep Thinker, Observant, Moody, Sensitive, Home-loving, Intuitive, Possessive, Overly cautious, Suspicious, Slow/Lazy

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

Ruler -Sun (1)

Element -Fire: The Sun symbolizes ego, self-expression and vitality. Leos are confident, creative, generous, loyal, charismatic, possess natural leadership quality but can be arrogant, domineering & may struggle with humility and sensitivity to others. It is a sign of power, vitality and organizational ability & indicates spirituality and generosity.

Traits: Confident, Ambitious, Courageous, Controlling, Dominating, Determined, Creative, Organized, Helpful, Caring, Status seeking, Arrogant but kindhearted, Stubborn, Bit Egoistic, Bossy, Top of Form

The author is a Reiki Grandmaster, Author, Numerologist, Researcher, Counselor, Crystals & Spiritual Guide, Switchwords Practitioner.

Disclaimer: Information & the views expressed in this article reflect the author’s personal understanding and interpretation.

Divine kirtan by World-famous Kirtaniya Sachchindan Gaur Prabhu at ISKCON Dwarka

August 20, 2024, 3:59 am

A three-day Mahamahotsava is being organized at ISKCON Dwarka on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. On August 25th at 6 PM, a special program will be presented on the small screen by the participating artists of the popular show Superstar Season-3: Pihu Sharma, Kuhu Sharma, and Khushi Nagar. Both Pihu and Kuhu are sisters from Delhi, while Khushi hails from Uttar Pradesh. These artists are immensely popular not only in Delhi NCR but across the country, with people of all ages eager to listen to the songs sung by them. On this occasion of Janmashtami, their performance promises to be a thrilling experience for the people of the city. A day before Janmashtami, you can also enjoy this Krishna-Kirtan evening with your family.

On August 26th at 6 PM, world-renowned Kirtaniya Satchinandan Gour Prabhu, along with his team, will present a Kirtan. It is believed that when they perform Kirtan, there is a shower of nectar. Lord Krishna’s grace begins to pour, and no one can resist dancing to his Harinam Kirtan, from children to the elderly. Before an audience of four to five lakh devotees, Satchinandan Gour Prabhu will present unforgettable Kirtans. His singing is not only enjoyable to listen to but also a transformative experience. His Kirtans are famous for invoking Krishna’s grace on the path of spiritual progress. When they perform, a divine resonance in their voice provides devotees with the experience of Krishna’s presence, making them dance with joy, completely immersed in ecstasy. If you too want to experience the spiritual sweetness of Krishna’s divine love, join ISKCON Dwarka to participate in the Kirtan. Dance in devotion and enjoy the Harinama. Also, visit the book center to receive divine books of Krishna as a spiritual gift.

Apart from this, 15 types of laddus and pedas in the form of prasad for the devotees will be the special attraction of Janmashtami. On August 27th, Srila Prabhupada’s teachings will be remembered and discussed, and the Bhagavad Gita, the true prasad of Lord Krishna, will be distributed to the devotees.

‘It’s not me’

August 20, 2024, 3:56 am

The night was enchanting. However, the only thing on the minds of Mullah Nasruddin and his two friends—the barber and the village bumpkin—was sleep. They were worn to the bone after an exhaustive journey. But since they were passing through a secluded place, Nasruddin suggested that they take turns to keep vigil. The other two agreed. After a lot of deliberation, they decided upon the barber as the first one to stay awake, followed by Nasruddin.

The exhaustion was evident as Nasruddin and the bald man fell asleep immediately. As for the barber, he found it extremely difficult to stay awake. However, there was no choice. As he sat leaning against a tree, he found himself repeatedly dozing. Then he realised that he never felt sleepy while working. But there was a catch. His experience was limited to cutting hair and shaving beards. How could he work in the middle of wilderness with no humans in sight, barring the two sleeping fellow travellers? He thought, ‘How about cutting their hair?’ The choice among the two was rather simple since the village bumpkin was bald.

It didn’t take the barber long to cut Nasruddin’s hair. Since he still had an hour to go, he took out the razor and even shaved Nasruddin’s head.
When the hour elapsed, the barber shook Nasruddin, who, true to his habit, swept his hand over his head. However, finding no hair to ruffle as he usually did, Nasruddin looked angrily at the barber. ‘You’ve woken up the wrong person. I’m the bald traveller. You need to wake him up,’ he said and went back to sleep.

While guffawing at Nasruddin’s outlandishness, do we realise that we are no different from him? Our external form is what is known to not only others but to us as well. There are layers and layers of us beneath our exterior that we aren’t familiar with. Most people identify themselves only through their body, looks, habits, mannerisms and thoughts that exist on the periphery of their minds. Sadly, only a fraction of humans manage to dig deep and unearth their true selves.

Like the Upanishadic seers who said, ‘neti neti’ (not this, not this) to everything till they found their true selves, we must also learn to say, ‘It’s not me,’ to all these erroneous signs. Let’s make a pledge to delve deeper into ourselves and find our true selves.

Gurudev enlightens on calming the mind

August 20, 2024, 3:53 am

This was a question and answer session with Gurudev , Swami Chinmayanandaji, on the 16/05/1984, in Siddhabari as he sat informally outside the old Satsang hall in the evenings. We all gathered around him to ask him for guidance on how to calm the mind.
These are excerpts from my notes. Fortunate to still have them! I produce them as I wrote them then.
Swamiji began answering in his characteristic humorous style.He began, “ Never ask a sanyaasi what he thinks of this and that, you are giving him a full chit to bluff you! Ask only “ What does the Shastra say .? “

Q. Swamiji, what is the mind?
Ans. Mind is thought flow. What you are, depends on the quality of this thought flow, because thoughts crystallise as desires and desires finally manifest as actions. As you think so you become. There are ways of controlling the mind and gaining complete mastery over it.The thoughts should be trained to be pure. We should also control the quantity of thoughts. Thoughts rushing one upon another is a mind agitated. Calm down the thought flow, let it flow gently. Lastly, dam the flow. Learn to hold or release the thoughts acoording to your will. The three ways of controlling the mind are: 1) Quality, 2.) Quantity, 3). Damming it. The equipment is the same, but just the quality of thoughts makes one a saint or a first rate rascal, a noble or a bad man.so, control the mind. Don’t let it make you dance. Let it dance to your tune.

Q. How does one calm the mind?
Ans. Don’t try to quieten the mind with the mind.The controller must be different from the controlled. Hence the importance of an Idol. Humble yourself, surrender to Him and ask for His help to control your mind. It will become quiet. This is the importance of the Ishta, (personalised God).
Another tip to quieten the mind is to narrow its field of activity. The more you let it roam extrovertedly the more restless and jumpy it will become. So narrow its field of occupations.
The physical body should be absolutely still for a long time. Train it to sit erect with the legs and seat firmly on the ground, without moving even a centimetre, for quite sometime. Physical movement does not allow the mind to become calm. Just as in water, a clear reflection is not possible if the water has waves. It has to be completely placid.
The mind can quieten down with total surrender to the Lord. You are your own enemy. You have tied yourself in chains of attachment and then you say that you are shackled! Disengage yourself from all the worldly things of OET (Objects Emotions Thoughts) and just pray to Him. Let the ‘divine potential’ in you be tapped. We all have it, that is our true nature. Relax your facial and head muscles. The more you climb in His lap and near Him, the happier and calmer will be your mind. Some people learn to quieten the mind and go into a stupor, a kind of a hibernation. No, then you will not progress. The mind has to be quiet but the intellect has to be highly purified , alert and vigilant, then the divine joy will tumble out of you. It will unfold to you. It is not a passive experience but a positive one.
Another technique to quieten the mind while meditating is to do japa louder and louder (mentally). May be as loud as you can. That will arrest the mind from wandering.
The sign of an impure mind is likes and dislikes. The less you react to likes and dislikes ,the more pure the mind. True meditation is a state of bliss. If you are ever cheerful and smiling you are in constant meditation.

Q. Swamiji there is a lot of struggle in meditation?
Ans. In the earlier stages a seeker finds it very difficult to disengage the mind from the OET(objects, emotions, thoughts) and pull it inwards. This is because of trillions of years of habits that were extrovert. For example , when a rocket is launched it requires the maximum amount of energy to pull away from the earth’s gravity in the beginning. When it is out of the earth’s gravity the flight is much easier. Once it enters the moon’s circle of gravity it has to make no effort to go forward, it is pulled by the moon itself. Thus the mind has to make a Herculean effort to disengage from the OET. When you progress in sadhana it gradually becomes effortless, and once you reach Poorna Sattva
(Total quietude of the mind) the pure consciousness or Brahman sucks you in. The effort of the mind is not needed.

Q. Do we need to give up all desires? Please could you explain ‘sarva Sankalpa parityajya’?
Ans. Any desire born of Sankalpa has to be abandoned. Those that are natural in you , you will not be conscious of, e.g. Anger. A man who is short tempered will not realise it, it will come naturally to him. Similarly love for singing or dancing etc. that is why we say “ she is a born singer ,or born dancer. “ But any desire that is within the purview of recognition, destroy it immediately. Any desire that causes even the least amount of agitation, destroy it. If the desire is too overwhelming and has to be exhausted, then surrender to the Lord and exhaust it with the mind always established in”Thy will be done, free me from this shackle that I have accrued over past lives.” Come out of it as a man after a bath, not go deeper into it.

Q . Swamiji , what determines thought quality?
Ans. Thought belongs to the world of matter, but subtle matter. ( tan matra). When it is vitalised by Prana it becomes the thought flow: the mind. Anything that moves has direction. So also when thoughts move they move in the direction of your tendencies , whether you like it or not.

The author is the President Chinmaya Mission Delhi.

Overcoming Ego at Work

August 17, 2024, 1:23 am

Most people agree that the hardest part of any job is not the work itself but dealing with people at work. And the hardest part of that is dealing with everyone’s personal egos. Everyone has one, but most people do not know what it is, and how to overcome its influence.

In simple terms, ego is an image or idea we hold about ourselves, which we can get incredibly attached to. Most people think ego means thinking you are always right, always the best, but your particular self-image may be the opposite. Thinking you are no good, is also ego. We form these identities over many years, and they tend to be self-reinforcing as we automatically look for evidence that supports our self-image, and ignore anything that contradicts it.

Our egos are also multifaceted. I like to think of the ego as a castle that has been built from childhood. Each success and failure, each word from an authority figure adds to the castle. Our national identity, our football teams, our jobs, our appearance, our children’s success, our home.

All these and much more, add bricks to the identity castle called ‘me’. Unconsciously, everyone aims to have the biggest, best, most beautiful castle, to show to themselves and others that they have worth.

The problem, however, is that self-worth can never come from anything outside of ourselves. All the bricks, all the things we tend to identify with as being us, are temporary by nature. Every success can become a failure, beauty fades, jobs are lost, teams lose, and people let us down. If we do not find value in our inner selves, then we constantly seek to enlarge and protect our ego castle. And work is a place where most people are seeking to feed their egos. Every time you get approval, a brick is added, and you get a little ego boost. You feel good. But on the other hand, every time your castle is attacked by a look, a comment, a criticism, you feel subtle fear, sorrow, or anger.

Whenever you attend a meeting, if there are five staff members present, there are five egos present. Each ego has its own needs. And it is when these needs clash that trouble begins. If you have ever got irrationally angry in a meeting, got defensive, interrupted others, felt hurt, sulked, hidden the truth, or boasted about your efforts, that was your ego acting through you. Most of the negative behaviours which plague meetings are coming from our insecurities.

Judging, blaming, jealously, controlling, lying, cheating, boasting, insulting, avoiding, shouting, comparing, demanding, all these behaviours have their roots in insecurity. And these insecurities come from holding on to an unsustainable image of yourself. When you fight for your idea in a meeting and you start to feel very nervous, tense, angry, this is because you are not actually fighting for your idea, your ego is fighting in you, for its own survival.

In order not to let ego dominate my behaviour at work, I need to know how ego is working in me. The easiest way to do this is to monitor your feelings. Your feelings are a great GPS to let you know whether your thinking is clear or confused. The presence of anxiety, irritation, dislike, any negative emotions, indicate that the ego is operating within your consciousness.

By watching the ego operating within yourself, you can begin to disempower it. You can remind yourself that it is only an idea, that your self-worth is not based on others’ approval or acceptance. By being self-aware, talking to yourself and reminding yourself of your true inner worth, you can begin to disarm the ego.

You will feel yourself becoming more calm, detached, confident, and cheerful. And strangely enough, people will actually be more interested to hear from you when they no longer sense you are just trying to feed your ego. Your motive becomes more about ‘how can I add value to others through my work’, rather than ‘how can I get validated by others through my work’.

The other wonderful thing that can happen when you start to break free from the power of the ego is that other people get influenced. When you are relaxed, no longer trying to prove yourself or be better than the next person, everyone relaxes and starts to be more authentic. People feel safe around a person who genuinely likes themselves. The atmosphere begins to improve. And before you know it, meetings turn into a chance to actually get real work done, instead of losing time, energy and happiness building and breaking castles!

Jillian Sawers is a professional self-development trainer and has a YouTube channel called ’The Department of Silence’. She is based in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, at the headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris.

The Brain, Mind, and Spirit

August 17, 2024, 1:15 am

The brain continually receives inputs from the sense organs – the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and the skin. These inputs arrive through the process of neuronal firing, by which neurons, or nerve cells in the brain, generate and transmit electrical impulses, allowing them to communicate with each other and perform various brain functions. The neuronal firing terminates in the region of the brain which corresponds to the sense organ. The point of origin of the electrical impulse indicates which sense organ is sending the input. However, the mechanism of neuronal firing remains the same for all sensory stimuli.

Now, which part of the brain decides whether any action must be taken in response to the stimulus, and the nature thereof? The inputs from the senses are unpredictable, and may change every moment. It would be illogical to assume that the brain is programmed to deal with every possible input. In that case the response to one kind of input would always be the same. But that does not happen in real life, where we often act without any physical stimulation – someone idling on a couch may decide to take a stroll, for no particular reason. We also ignore sensory inputs, such as those from routine sounds, whereas we may have reacted to the same sounds with curiosity or alarm at a young age. This would not be possible had the brain been programmed to respond to sensory stimuli.

The structure of the brain indicates that it is an organ that performs assigned duties – it is incapable of changing its working on its own. There is obviously an intelligent entity that makes choices which determine how the brain functions. If consciousness resided in the brain, it would be possible to elicit thoughts by applying electric currents to the brain to stimulate it. Pioneering neurosurgeon Dr. Wilder Penfield tried this in his well-known experiments on patients. He stimulated different areas of the cerebral cortex, the brain’s outermost layer of nerve cell tissue, which plays a key role in memory, thinking, learning, reasoning, problem-solving, emotions, consciousness, and functions related to the senses. No patient attributed the resulting actions or thoughts to his or her own volition.

The electrical stimulation caused the patients to recall dreams and smells, and they had visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as out-of-body experiences. These perceptual illusions lasted only as long as the stimulation. But Dr. Penfield was unable to change the patients’ beliefs or decisions by inducing currents in their brain. He wrote in his book, ‘The Mystery of the Mind’: “…there is no valid evidence that electrical stimulation can activate the mind… none of the actions that we attribute to the mind has been initiated by electrode stimulation.” Further, he wrote: “There is no place in the cerebral cortex where electrical stimulation will cause a patient to believe or to decide.”

It is evident from Dr. Penfield’s ground-breaking experiments that attributing thoughts, beliefs, decisions, and consciousness to the brain alone is erroneous. There is an independent entity exerting a causal influence on cerebral processes and bearing responsibility for thoughts, decisions, and consciousness itself. As Dr. Penfield wrote in his book: “What a thrill it is, then, to discover that the scientist, too, can legitimately believe in the existence of the spirit!”.

Recharging the Soul

August 17, 2024, 1:06 am

The world of matter does have an impact on the mind. Equally, a strong mind can have a massive impact on matter, including our own bodies, which are made up of the five elements. Weak and negative thoughts hurt us and make us unstable and unable to resolve issues in the best possible way. We need to strengthen our minds and make our thought processes powerful. Determined and positive thought patterns are the basis of being able to find solutions to the many situations we find ourselves in.

We need to keep both mind and body active and healthy. Exercise has proven to be vital for the health of the body and mind. Just a walk of fifteen minutes does wonders, but thirty minutes of exercise each day, whether it be through walking, cleaning, dancing, improves brain function. Good food also is needed to maintain maximum physical health, and nutrients are needed for the brain too.

Apart from regular exercise and eating well, the other essential activity for body and soul is meditation. In meditation we engage with the power of the spiritual self, the soul, and bring that power into our everyday living. Neuroscientist have shown what a powerful impact meditation has on the brain. Experiments with groups who were asked to meditate over a few weeks have shown increased growth in neural tissue in the front of the brain, giving more complexity to the working memory and the ability to see nuances of situations more clearly. The amygdala, which is responsible for regulating anxiety and aggression, became smaller, resulting in a calmer approach to life and less stress. The hippocampus, responsible for memory and learning, became larger and consequently, more complex and efficient.

Meditation then, helps us to become more compassionate, less stressed, and have fewer incidents of depression and anxiety. The ability to concentrate increases, and an overall sense of well-being and happiness is experienced, leading ultimately to a higher quality of life. The new neural masses created bring greater ability to find solutions to the problems we encounter in life.

The brain is a physical organ, the soul though, is an eternal conscient point of light sitting in the forehead behind the eyes, approximately 2.5 centimetres into the brain. Whenever we become aware of the self in this way, as light, we begin to access the unique powers within. We access the qualities of love, peace, purity, wisdom, and joy, and all the myriad other qualities that stem from these core attributes of the soul. Our purpose in life is to be all that we can be, and fulfil our whole potential. For this we need a deep relationship with God; the only relationship that can fulfil our spiritual needs – and the way to self-actualisation. By recharging the soul through this connection with the Sentient Being of Love, new and powerful neural circuits are created and we naturally become full of well-being. We are happy to get up every day, do something productive and give our world our helping hand – finding our unique place in the universe.

Lygia Monteiro is a Brahma Kumaris Rajyoga teacher, based in London.

The Role of Parental Emotions in Shaping a Child’s Happiness: A Holistic Approach

August 13, 2024, 3:46 am

What is the role of parents in shaping a child’s happiness? What does a child pick up from his parents? Everything. If a parent is negative, the parent is directly feeding the child’s mind, not only with negative thoughts, but also with negative emotions, which become the foundation of the child’s future.

Therefore, parents have to be very careful about the emotions afloat in their lives. Emotion is energy in motion. Emotions are thoughts, feelings, actions — everything comes from emotions. Therefore, if parents have emotions of anger, hate, vengefulness, jealousy, if parents have emotions of fear, worry, stress, anxiety, then this automatically permeates to a child and shapes the child’s future.

We don’t really have to teach a child. The child automatically learns. And therefore, if we want children to learn to be happy or to build happy and positive emotions in their life, then we must become role models. And it is not just about how we act in front of our child. Regardless, the child will sense and pick up our emotions, the reality of our life.

Let us consider the example of a child who grows up with parents who are constantly bickering. The child will automatically develop the same in his life. Such a child will often remain unhappy, disgruntled, negative, because how much ever the mother or father may try to teach the child, more than what the child will learn from being taught, is what the child will pick up from the emotions that fill his home, the world around him, his environment. Therefore, it is up to us, as parents, as to what emotions we fill our homes or lives with. Isn’t it unfortunate that today, men and women are at loggerheads? Sadly, the one who suffers the most is their child. The child is injected with toxic emotions, negative emotions, which we call NEP, Negative Energy Poison. How can the child live with PEP — Positive Energy that has Power? How can the child develop emotions like courage, confidence, faith, enthusiasm, compassion, optimism, forgiveness, when the child sees his parents living in depression, anger, or anguish?

If the parents are fighting with each other, whatever be the reason, whoever be at fault, the child will not understand that. But the child will pick up the emotional exchange between the mother and the father, the tension, the stress, the misery. Therefore, it is advisable, that parents must not let negative emotions appear in front of their child. Children from broken homes or violent homes or homes where parents are divorced all experience trauma, sadness and anger in varying degrees.

Intelligent parents keep their differences, their arguments and fights away from their child’s presence. Sometimes this may be possible, sometimes it may not be possible. Some parents understand that they play such a vital role in shaping their child’s future, their child’s emotions, their child’s happiness that they are willing to suppress some of their personal feelings for the sake of their child’s future. But at times, what can one do? There is no choice and differences between parents become apparent to the child. Then that unhappy marriage or that bad relationship between the parents, unfortunately, becomes a role model, the foundation, the very raw material of the child’s future. Happy couples will have happy children but unfortunately, unhappy couples cannot have anything but unhappy children.

One thing that we often don’t take into account is the magic of Karma. Karma is the law of action and reaction. If a child has good Karma, then despite bad emotions in the parents, the child may flower and blossom in bliss and on the other hand, despite being born to a perfectly happy couple, if the child is carrying negative Karma, then we may find that the child ends up with an unhappy future.

What we can do as parents, is to foster happiness in our child’s presence so that the child can pick up only positivity — love, forgiveness, kindness, brotherhood, companionship. We should not let any negative, toxic emotions reach our child. This is the best we can do.

The author is the Happiness Ambassador, Author, Spiritual Mentor and Philanthropist

Ekadash Rudra- The Eleven Rudra Avatar

August 13, 2024, 3:43 am

Lord Shiva, from the Trinity, is worshipped as the destroyer and the transformer. The fierce & destructive side of Lord Shiva is known as Rudra, in which Rudra’s anger destroys harmful things. This destruction allows for renewal and a fresh start.

Rudra means “who eradicates problems from their roots”

.There is only one Lord Rudra, but for the welfare of the world he takes many names, avatars and forms. In the Shata-Rudra Samhita of the Shiva Purana, Mahadev’s 11 Rudra Avatars are mentioned with great respect & devotion.

Ekadash Rudra

There are mainly eleven Rudras, also called ‘Ekadash Rudra’. Each avatar serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which the divine presence manifests in the world.

According to the Shiv Puran, once the devtas & Lord Indra were defeated by the demons and were thrown out of Amaravati, the city of gods. They came to the ashram of their father Maharshi Kashyap, a learned Rishi and asked him for a solution. Maharshi Kashyap, a devotee of Lord Shiva, assured the devtas that he would remove their problems. Maharishi Kashyap went to Kashi, the city of Shiva and performed tapa and meditation

Pleased by his Tapasya, Shiva granted him a boon. Maharishi Kashyap then pleaded with Shiva to help the devtas, by incarnating as his son and ending the torments of the demons. Shiva granted his wish, to offer justice to the devtas and take the place in the city as their protector. Lord Shiva incarnated in the form of eleven Rudras from the womb of Kashyap’s wife Surabhi. They are considered different aspects of Shiva’s destructive power, embodying his fierce and wrathful nature.

These 11 Rudras were meant to help maintain balance in the universe by destroying evil and allowing for renewal. They defeated the demons in the war and gave Indra back the kingdom of heaven.

Names of Ekadash Rudra

There is a difference in the names of Ekadash Rudras in various Puranas and texts. In the Upanishads, the eleven Pranas (ten senses and mind) have been called ‘Ekadash Rudra’ which are ‘Spiritual Rudra’.

According to the Shiva Puran (by Gita Press, Gorakhpur) the eleven names of Rudra are:

?????? – associated with the cremation grounds, a stark reminder of the cycle of life and death.
?????? – associated with the Pingala Nadi, one of the three main channels of the subtle body in yoga, representing solar energy. Pingal is the golden-yellow form of Shiva, symbolizing the sun and the life-giving energy it provides
????? – embodies immense strength and power, capable of destroying evil and protecting righteousness. Bhim is often invoked for courage and protection against adversaries.
?????????? – often associated with spiritual insight and the ability to perceive beyond the physical realm
??????? – The name itself mentions a bright red color or the color of a burning fire. It is associated with the element of fire and the transformative power of destruction and renewal
?????? A majestic warrior carrying weapons, Shasta is a Vedic name
??????? signifies the nurturing and protective qualities of Shiva. Also called Ajaa Eka Paada, meaning- he who stands on one leg.
??????????? is believed to be the protector against storms and other such unforeseen natural calamities.
??????? meaning “the beneficent,” This gentle avatar of Shiva is often associated with peace, compassion and the bestowal of blessings.
????? the fierce & a wrathful avatar represents the power to overcome and destroy evil forces.
???? meaning “existence” or “being,” Bhava signifies the continuity and presence of divine energy in every aspect of the universe.

These 11 Rudras are often invoked to remove obstacles, destroy negativity and protect the righteous.

Disclaimer: Information in this article is based on verified mentioned sources. The views expressed in this article reflect the author’s personal understanding and interpretation.

The author is a Reiki Grandmaster, Author, Numerologist, Researcher, Counselor, Crystals & Spiritual Guide, Switchwords Practitioner.

All is well: Closure is needed for resolution and peace

August 13, 2024, 3:39 am

All’s well that ends; still, the fine’s the crown.
Whatever the course, the end is the renown. – William Shakespeare
The binary system, which is widely used in the technological age, can explain every natural phenomenon. We tend to categorise things as good or bad, hot or cold, and processes’ beginning and endpoints. Unfortunately, we often overlook intangible, context-dependent elements. By applying the same skill level and attention to navigating the outcomes of any situation, we could significantly increase our chances of success in various pursuits.

The legend of Abhimanyu’s chakravyuh from the epic Mahabharata teaches an essential lesson about the crucial role of strategic planning and adept problem-solving in life. The chakravyuh, a complex military formation, was a challenge that young Abhimanyu learned to penetrate but not to exit. Krishna decided to send Abhimanyu to buy time and demonstrate Abhimanyu’s bravery. This tale highlights the human tendency to plan meticulously without considering potential worst-case scenarios but also underscores the power of strategic thinking and problem-solving.

The Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana often explore the idea of bringing closure to conflicts. This raises the question of whether figures like Krishna are still relevant today. Krishna played a crucial role in managing wars and ensuring wrongdoers were defeated. Similarly, heroes like Achilles, who ended the Trojan War by defeating Hector, and Rama, who established peace and reduced crime, also raise exciting points to consider. Additionally, in the mythological Samudra Manthan, Lord Shiva bravely drank poison to save the world, highlighting the presence of a hero in every war.

The peaceful resolution of conflicts is not just a matter of choice but a necessity for upholding global harmony and security. The prolonged Ukraine-Russia war, now in its third year, and the ongoing Gaza conflict serve as stark reminders of the importance of resolving global conflicts. The concerning trend of global desensitisation towards warfare indicates a troubling acceptance of its horrors as a routine part of human existence—an echo of turbulent historical eras. The lack of meaningful discussion on embracing a new era, free from terrorism, barbarism, and warfare, underscores the urgent need for unified global action and dialogue.

When making personal decisions, it’s crucial to consider potential outcomes and plan for closure. For instance, thoughtful consideration of the settlement process in the event of a divorce is essential in marriage. Similarly, planning for elderly parents who may need care when their children cannot fulfil this responsibility is crucial. Disputes among siblings over inherited property frequently arise without parental will, based on the mistaken assumption that familial harmony will endure indefinitely. By considering potential outcomes, we can be more responsible and proactive in our personal decisions.

The current decline in people’s morale due to society’s increasing artificial nature is concerning. The need for individuals to assert their identities is a matter of significant importance. It is crucial to embrace a mindset centred on resolution and to believe that “All is well that ends well.” This emphasis on closure should inspire us to strive for dignified outcomes, unencumbered by emotional burdens and devoid of spiritual blemishes in our own lives.

Please don’t sell your soul

August 13, 2024, 3:34 am

The two warriors—Prince Arjava and Prince Rajsimha—looked at the magnificent valley with awe. It was heaven spread till eternity, and it could become theirs if they win the eventual test in the string of events of the last few months. The two were ready for the final test.

The princes approached the sage, who was the judge administering the event. ‘You will have to personally kill one of your closest aides and bring his head,’ the sage said. The princes could feel their jaws dropping. What could such an insanity test? ‘Level of ambition,’ the sage replied. ‘How far can you go to achieve what you want? Most kings do that, some deliberately, some without realising it.’

The princes had no idea of the tricks their minds would play. The wise, compassionate side of the mind warned them. However, the brazen, injudicious side came forth with justifications to throw caution to the wind. As the tussle continued inside the mind, the princes became aware of the persuasive ability the injudicious side possessed.
Prince Rajsimha quit the competition. However, Prince Arjava strode with the head of his friend and aide held by the hair, blood still dripping from it. What Prince Arjava did was true to the old idiom, ‘Sell one’s soul to the devil.’

Gruesome as it may be, the injudicious side of our mind acts in a similar way. For material gains, it asks us to go to the extreme, sacrifice someone, step over others’ heads, and even eliminate, at least from the field of competition, if not from life. It justifies them, while the wise side keeps dissuading and cautioning us.

Remember this cardinal principle: When the wise side of the mind brings forth hesitation and cautions us before any drastic action we’re about to take, don’t let the other side justify that action. Instead, we must listen to the wise side, as it’d let us see how deep an abyss the other side will lead us into. We must stop before it’s too late. Keep in mind that nothing in this world is worth selling your soul for.

If you’re still wondering about the story, well, let’s wrap it up. Prince Arjava got the shock of his life. It was Prince Rajsimha who became the eventual winner. The twist in the contest was that it was a test of self-restraint they exercised in the face of temptation. While succumbing to temptations might lead to temporary material gains, it’s your self-restraint that’ll lead to eternal bliss.

Honesty – The Only Policy

August 10, 2024, 3:58 am

Honesty is a highly prized and desired quality and, in many cases, in short supply. Such is the sign of the times that today honesty is not seen as the norm, but as a unique attribute. An honest individual is considered an exceptional rarity.

It is probably true to say that each of us, in varying degrees, is dishonest and a social and spiritual lawbreaker. The righteous among us may bridle at this statement. Yet, there seems to be a malaise, both social and ethical, of dishonesty that permeates most, if not all, of our fellow beings. There are many who find it difficult, if not impossible, to exhibit truthfulness, from the almost daily minor exaggerations to outright untruths, careless attitude to responsibilities, and the general mistreatment of our planet. There is a nearly universal non-compliance with society’s rules and laws.

Honesty is not just about what we do and say; it originates from an inner attitude of spiritual self-respect where our own inner personal truth originates. Our personal truth then becomes the guideline for our life’s journey. Our personal truth aligned with spirituality is reflected in our words and actions.

Spiritual alignment with truth has a massive impact on how we connect with our world. It helps and supports in many ways:
l Enabling us to live and express what we feel and believe.
l Freeing us from false and artificial behaviour.
l Giving us the courage to express our views without fear of alienation.
l Shielding us against intolerance and a climate of negativity.
l Providing strength to speak against what we believe to be wrong.
l Guiding us to a fair and consistent attitude.
l Encouraging the humility to admit our mistakes and recognize the qualities of others.
l Guiding us to be equal in praise and gentle in correction.

Those who employ these abilities in life are recognised and trusted. They are the ones who act with integrity and who others appreciate and value. Those who demonstrate these abilities are able to enhance the quality of relationships and often free others from the traps that spring from malaise, and strengthen their resolve to act with more moral principle.

These abilities are acquired and made possible through the strength experienced by having a regular meditation practice. Daily practice of meditation, of accessing the silence within and connecting to the Supreme Source of truth, gives us the courage and determination to be and express our own truth.

Jim Ryan has a background in education. He is an author and a Brahma Kumaris Rajyoga teacher, based at the Global Retreat Centre, Oxford, UK.