Month: September 2025

Swami ji said…

“मैंने अपने जीवन में बहुत कष्ट देखे हैं…” “मेरा जीवन कष्ट से भरा है…”
“बहुत मुश्किल से वह कष्ट काटा है मैंने…” This is the din we hear around us, as each of us, tries to, vociferously,
draw attention to our suffering — magnifying the pain we had to endure, highlighting the intensity of the grief and sorrow we experienced — in an evident attempt to make it clear to everyone around us -“मेरे कष्ट से बड़ा,किसी का कष्ट हो ही नहीं सकता…”

But, how are we going to live a lifetime if we allow ourselves to be submerged in such shallow, hollow, self-pitying thoughts? Are we running a race, holding a placard stating the nature of our ‘कष्ट’ – waiting to be declared the proud winner of the coveted title of the person – “जिसका जीवन बहुत कष्टदायी रहा है..”

One can never deny the fact that – “जीवन में कष्ट आयेंगे…” It is not possible for any of us to pass through the number of days, we are destined to live, without ordeals, obstacles, and issues coming our way. But, we have created the biggest problem for ourselves by giving them a larger-than-life importance – by becoming so greatly attached to the ‘कष्ट’ – that we talk about it endlessly, refuse to let it go, and keep reflecting on it regularly — often unaware that – “वह कष्ट, जिसे हम अब भी पकड़े हुए हैं, वह कब का कट चुका है…”

A spiritual seeker must always remember the words said to him by his self-enlightened गुरु – “जो कष्ट आकर कट जाये उसे कष्ट नहीं कहते…” Once a devotee understands the depth of these words, he is able to deal with his difficulties and tackle them in a mature, rational manner. Once he comprehends that -“कष्टों से वह मुँह नहीं मोड़ सकता है…”— for it is his ‘कर्म’ that is at play before him — his attitude towards suffering begins to change. He might not be aware of the divine fact – that his गुरु is able to see the कष्ट long before it arrives at the devotee’s doorstep and in His unfathomable way has already diluted the potent, lethal effect of the suffering that His devotee will have to go through. And, if, the devotee remains calm and steadfastly focused on the teachings of his ‘गुरु’ during hardships, he will realise that the ‘गुरु’ has carried him through the storm miraculously — leaving him with nothing more than a few superficial scratches at best – which he was meant to, destined to bear in this lifetime.

In fact, suffering — which we all fear — too has its benefits. The mind is such that, in good times, it becomes completely lost in enjoyment. There is little incentive to reflect on the ‘soul’, ‘कर्म’, God, or anything spiritual — for the material world holds our senses captive during days of comfort and pleasure. It is only when we suffer, when we look for relief, that we begin to reflect on spiritual matters. For in suffering, it is the ‘senses’ that are in pain — not the ‘soul’. And thus, in suffering, we find solace in the ‘soul’ — for it remains untouched by physical or emotional pain. It is during suffering that we most try to withdraw from the material world and from attachments of every kind.

It is suffering that shows us the importance of recognising the ‘soul’ and the ‘body’ as distinct. It is suffering that forces us to ‘observe ourselves’ as separate from our emotions. We come to realise that even the mind is not the real “us,” and that it is only through controlling the mind that we can truly influence how we feel.

Thus, do not lament about your sufferings of the past — for they are gone and done with – and are now a part of your past. The very fact that you have emerged from them largely unscathed means that your ‘guru’ was right by your side, holding your hand, giving you the strength needed – during all those moments of sickness, disease and difficulties and above all – the benign eye of God. When you see trouble brewing, breathe a sigh of relief — for it is a sign that the worst is about to pass, with the help of God…“जितना कष्ट कट जाये — उतना ही अच्छा है।”

Use the pain of suffering as a reminder to stay on the right side of ‘कर्म’ and to cleanse the mind of the stains left by the material world. Accepting ‘कष्ट’
without lamenting about our ill – luck , our ‘बुरी किस्मत’ ;without complaining as to why are we the ones to suffer over and over again and when we stop playing the victim card – it is only then that we can truly say that we have understood the essence and the core message of the sacred ‘ज्ञान’ that was imparted to us by our ‘गुरु’.

Swami ji said…

One of our favourite passtimes is to ‘talk’ about people we know—or might not even know. We may have just seen them somewhere, yet, we tuck their image away in some corner of our mind. And, then, the moment we recall their face—or the slightly inappropriate manner in which they may have presented themselves before us — we feel qualified to judge them and to give our opinion about them.

We seem to enjoy discussing others, and, at times, even debating about them angrily—especially when we feel that we are not gaining enough support in belittling them. Why is it that we take no time at all to form a one-sided opinion about others and find nothing wrong in making it known to everyone? How we love to analyse others—doing so with single-minded focus—dissecting every action of theirs and every word they speak, as though it were our birthright.

But then why are we—rather hypocritically—so shy, so hesitant, and so weary of being at the receiving end – when others attempt to analyse us? The same ‘we’ who so eagerly record every “unpardonable” act of others in our memory – are quick to produce a hundred excuses when someone voices a negative opinion about us. We defensively say, “That is not what I meant…” or “Normally, I am not like that! Something must have happened that day!”

Have we given ourselves the right to comment freely on others, to think whatever we wish about them, yet deny that same right to anyone else regarding ourselves? Have we vested ourselves with a power -“जो हमें इजाज़त देता है दूसरों पर टिप्पणी करने की, उनके बारे में कुछ भी सोचने का हक़ देता है — परंतु अगर कोई हमारे बारे में कुछ कहे, तो वो हमें बर्दाश्त नहीं होता है…”
When we can be such cowards in accepting the verdict of others—can we truly muster the courage to judge ourselves honestly and critically? “हमें स्वयं का आत्म-निरीक्षण भी तो कभी- कभार कर लेना चाहिए…”

Why do we have such double standards? If we can be so brazenly brave in ‘surveying’ others, why can we not accept an honest analysis about ourselves with the same courage? But, since we have already concluded in our mind that we are perfect in every way, we, tell ourselves that we do not need to undergo any ‘self-analysis’ at all. We conveniently reassure ourselves: “There is nothing wrong with me—why should I reflect?” But, this refusal to examine ourselves keeps us exactly where we are—unchanged, untested, and unevolved.

समय समय पर ‘आत्म-विश्लेषण’ करना — must become our habit. For only when we are honest with ourselves, and, willing to see and hear uncomfortable truths, through our inner voice – about our own actions – do we truly grow. It is always good to question ourselves occasionally – “Am I selfish or selfless ?” “Am I kind to all ?” “Do I stand by others during their difficult days?” “Am I an honest person?” This would be a good way to know where we stand – if we give honest answers.

The true spiritual seeker must maintain constant self-vigil. He must be critical only of himself and his behaviour—for it is only criticism of himself and being conscious of his behaviour, his attitude, his ‘karma’ – and not of others – that will be of any real use to him.

It is only those, who have the courage to see and acknowledge themselves for what they truly are – are the ones closest to taking the next steps towards ‘self-improvement’. Only when we recognize our own faults – can we rid ourselves of them and make ourselves worthy of receiving God’s grace.

Did not Ravan fall prey to such blindness? What did he lack—power, knowledge, strength? And, yet, he was blind to his own weaknesses of nursing a huge ego and senseless pride. It was this blindness that ultimately caused his downfall.

‘Self-reflection’ is the key to gaining control over our ‘कर्म ‘. “स्वयं का आत्म विश्लेषण और ‘आत्म निरीक्षण’ करने से – we become aware of our ‘self ‘, of our actions, conscious of the importance of choosing right over wrong, of forming good habits, not succumbing to desires, of being truthful and honest – all of which shape us into better human beings. This is often – the very first step that takes us towards truly knowing God.

Swami ji said…

The ability to speak, to talk is a gift that God has blessed most of us with — and we have made the most of this gift – as talking with others, about others is something that we enjoy greatly. We talk with gusto, with energy, with passion — about anything and everything under the sun. Be it about the weather in a formal setting, or, gossip in an informal one – we simply want to partake in conversation. Some of us are guilty of slipping into monologue, caring little for others, just as long as we are heard.

But, herein lies the catch. While we are in a great hurry to speak first, to answer quickly, to convey a point, or , to say something — anything at all — to anyone, do we pause for even a moment to ask ourselves: “हम अपनी ज़ुबान पर लगाम लगा रहे हैं या नहीं ?”

Do these words of wisdom urge us to place gentle restraints on our tongue, making us pause before we speak and consider the weight and consequence of our words? We would benefit greatly if we remembered that every syllable we utter carries the power to shape, sculpt, and script the very reality of our lives.

It may not be difficult for us to recall those moments when, in anger, frustration, or , retaliation, we might have spoken negatively or pessimistically to someone — only to later see those very words take a definite form before our eyes – filling us with regret for having said those fateful words…“हमने अपनी ज़ुबान को ऐसा कहने से रोका क्यों नहीं?” we lament.

Once we understand that the tongue is powerful and its power cannot be dismissed — as time and again it has been proved that its effects are real and immediate — it becomes essential for us to be careful and cautious before speaking. Many times, when asked about our welfare, we respond by saying we are unhappy or depressed. In doing so, we unknowingly give strength and permanence to those feelings. It is said that physical wounds can heal, but, the scars borne by the soul — on hearing words of hate, humiliation, or contempt — may never be erased…“शब्द बाण हैं, निकलते ही लगते हैं, लौटते नहीं…”

The words we speak set in motion a chain reaction, affecting not just those who hear them, but, also our own minds and hearts. Thus, controlling the tongue is an act of controlling one’s ‘karma’. Words are action. They can injure, and they can inspire. What our words do — what mark they leave on the world — is entirely under our control. Words spoken thoughtfully, with kindness and care, create a positive impact all around. Those spoken mercilessly, with the intent to hurt, are like drops of acid rain that destroy everything they touch.

The spiritual seeker — who struggles against the mind — must always be observant of what and how he speaks. If he finds that he speaks before he thinks, then he has a long way to go on the path of spirituality. For the ability to be silent, to resist the urge to argue or justify, is the mark of one who has begun to gain control over the mind.

Words must not come cheap to us. They must be measured and valued. But how can we do this – that is the question? Just as a lamp shines brightest in the dark, just as the rains break after the scorching heat of summer — our words, too, must arise after deliberate and mindful silence. And, not just any silence, but, the silence of meditation and reflection.

Just as gold emerges from the blacksmith’s blazing furnace, so too must words emerge from the depths of thought and patient consideration. And, just as the blacksmith hammers away impurities to create something beautiful and radiant, we, too must remove every trace of bitterness, anger, or , malice from our speech before presenting it to the world.

Swami ji said…

Can any of us deny hearing the deeply profound words: “हम खाली हाथ आए थे और खाली हाथ जाएंगे?” We cannot. For we have heard this eternal truth spoken around us many times—sometimes in a sombre mood, sometimes in a matter-of-fact manner, and at times even in jest. Yet, somehow, we shrug off the hidden, hard-hitting significance of these words. We pay little heed to their core message— perhaps because we lack courage, or, because we fear detaching ourselves from the love and fascination that we hold for material objects.

“ ये ही तो ‘मायाजाल’ है…” And, since we convince ourselves that the chief purpose of our lives is to become entangled in this web, we, pursue it with fierce determination, making it the sole goal of our existence. So much so, that very often, we hear people in the twilight years of their life expressing their worry about their homes, their wealth, their assets with deep emotion – “मेरे जाने के बाद मेरी संपत्ति,मेरे घर का क्या होगा?”

At this self-created juncture, many of us find ourselves trapped. Our attachment to property—mere structures of concrete—has cemented our hearts and made them hard, unfeeling, and indifferent. Anything can be sacrificed when it comes to matters of wealth and assets. Years of trust, understanding, and respect are easily forgotten — when the issue concerns paper —currency, or, documents stamped with large denominations and symbols of value.

“आजकल लड़ाइयाँ जो रिश्तेदारों और लोगों के बीच होती हैं, वे किसी महत्वपूर्ण, विशेष कारण से नहीं होतीं, बल्कि छोटी-मोटी, बेमतलब की चीज़ों के कारण होती हैं…” Everything that is said or left unsaid to us by others – seems to affect us. We take it all personally and hold it close to our hearts. “उसने मुझसे किस तरह से बात की? वह मेरे बारे में क्या सोचता है?” “What was he saying about me?” All these baseless, insignificant matters that are magnified all the more by our mind – ignite further bitterness for others – even those who should matter the most. Soon battle lines are drawn. Sibling love, once pure in the days of innocence, is overshadowed by rivalry. Competition hardens hearts, and, no one knows where to draw the line. Quite often these conflicts are created not because of principles or noble causes, but, because of trifles and illusions—mere shadows of ‘माया’.

We must shed the manipulation, the deceit, the bitterness that we, unnecessarily, carry in our heart – all the while planning to lay our hands on ‘more’ and ‘more’ of everything – of which not a single particle can be carried by us – when we bid farewell to the world.

In fact, if, we pause and reflect, we realise that no dispute is truly worth the unease it leaves behind. The materials and things we guard so fiercely will one day slip away and wither — for nothing in this world is permanent—yet the hurt caused in moments of anger can linger far longer. Peace does not come from acquiring more, but, from softening the heart and loosening one’s grip. When we choose love over hate, understanding over pride – space opens for trust to return, and, in that quiet space the mind begins to rest. And, it is there, in stillness and harmony, that we draw closer to God.

So rather than focussing on –
“उन चीजों पर है जो हम अपने साथ ले जा नहीं सकते…” – let us work on harboring a good relationship with one and all. Let us be conscious of our ‘karma’, of all that we think – when we are all alone. What will we get by plotting someone’s downfall ? Let us cleanse our ‘soul’ of the impurities that we have allowed to form layers over it and instead purify it to such an extent that God is left with no other choice but to allow us to merge with Him.