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Swami ji said…

What happens when one plants seeds in the soil ? A few perish within the ground itself on not receiving adequate water and nutrients – and turn into soil themselves. Some show promise and grow into small saplings. But , some of these saplings get trampled upon accidentally ; are flooded by water or eaten by an animal – and their dream to grow bigger ends there itself – for no fault of theirs. Yet, there are some that grow into trees. And, even among these trees – some are cut down for wood ; some are trimmed down every time they grow. And, then, there are some which grow into huge beautiful trees, bountiful with fruits and flowers – and live to see years and generations pass by.

Our fate, our lives are similar to those of the seeds. There are billions like us on the planet – each one of us filled with dreams and hopes to achieve something big. And , like some of those seeds that grow into big trees later ; some of us – from among the millions – might succeed in building our dreams into reality; while the remaining mostly are unable to do so – sometimes due to various circumstances ; sometimes due to lack of knowledge and a plethora of other reasons. We all aim for the stars, but, not each one of us can shine bright like them. It is only a handful of us who are able to leave a legacy; leave an imprint on the echelons of time and have our names remembered by future generations.

And, yes, while all this requires hard work, sacrifice and effort – one must not forget, that just like the seeds, one also needs fate to be on his side. One needs the stars to align for him to get all the right opportunities at the right time. And, thus, those select few of us who are successful, must never forget that without God’s Grace our lives could have turned out a lot different from the one that we enjoy today.

But, heavy is the head that wears the crown. Success doesn’t come easy. One has to go through the grind and a demanding time period before he is able to taste success. But , to remain successful is even more demanding. In such circumstances, it is very easy to forget how one has reached where he is. All that God’s benevolence and our efforts have given us – is eventually taken for granted. The humility that once arose within us from the realisation that one had been very lucky as compared to others – is slowly replaced by entitlement and pride – that tells us that we rightfully deserve the success that we have. We find it difficult to enjoy the success of others, as we now feel it is something that we alone must have. This is the transformation that we must be wary of. Do not fall prey to the dogma of a dog eat dog world. We must remind ourselves that
excellence need not be accompanied with arrogance and wealth and money need not be just for the greedy.

Being successful, being envied for our skills and talents – these are not just our achievements, but, also characteristics that God has blessed us with for a particular reason. There is certainly no way that He would like to see us being coercive, aggressive or dishonest in our behaviour with others. He, in fact, puts us in such positions to only further accentuate and show the world our good qualities and habits ; our principles and beliefs that have made us worthy of His love and Grace in the first place.

To guard ourselves against an undesirable change in our attitude, temperament and nature in future – one must always reflect on how fortunate he is to be unique and exceptional. One must not think that his struggles of the past have made him deserving of something better in the present moment ; but , he should be grateful that God put an end to those struggles for him. Every time we see others struggling in life, we must be thankful for what we have. The more we ‘get’ in life, the more we must ‘detach’ – and think of what God would want us to do next.

Our winnings and triumphs in life are only meant to enable us to do good ‘karma’ more easily. Even victorious conquerors had to rule as good and just kings – to be respected by the masses. Success itself is not the end all. It must be accompanied with kindness and humility.

Swami ji said…

What is wealth to us ? What do we understand by the meaning of the words being wealthy – ‘धनवान’ होना? For most of us today wealth is synonymous with money, cars, houses, jewellery, and other possessions. In fact, to think of wealth as a means to anything else would seem unimaginable to almost everyone around us. Society always measures a man’s worth on a materialistic scale. Great respect is given to those who have surplus wealth and unlimited assets. If we could hear ourselves talk the way we do – about wealthy people – the reverential tone, the hushed voice with a mix of admiration and jealousy – as we describe what they have or possess – we would most certainly be embarrassed later. In fact, when we talk or discuss about the rich and famous , it appears as though we are talking about our heroes ; our role models.

But , this is also the truth about us. Modern day heroes are the wealthiest of businessmen, actors and sportspersons. Their swanky cars, expensive clothes, sprawling mansions – inspire the youth to work hard to accumulate their own wealth.The dreams of people today are all about possessing the same things and having luxurious and comfortable lifestyles.

But , where do we place God in all of this? Today, He , is mostly reached out to when one looks for wealth for his own benefit frantically. Most of the prayers He receives from us – are but requests – to be granted more money, more land, more of everything. In such a world, the soul ; the spirit have only a diminishing value. The urge to possess more has outrun the need to know – oneself.

But , perhaps we need to take a step back and see why we behave like this ; what makes us behave like this. It is because our mind is not at peace. We have convinced ourselves that we can only be happy when we ‘possess’ something. This approach is bound to cause misery.True wealth of course, is having ‘happiness and joy’, ‘peace of mind’ – but , we are miles away from these – aa we have somehow learnt to relate happiness purely with earning money and accumulating possessions. Yes, lack of money can truly be stressful, but , excess of it can not guarantee happiness and a solution of problems. Money cannot buy us emotions. Houses can shelter the body, but , they cannot shelter the mind and soul. So, perhaps it is time we prayed to God to show us, how we can truly achieve ‘peace’ within. Perhaps He can tell us, guide us towards what we need to be truly wealthy.

Isn’t good health – wealth? Are we not willing to give away all our money in order to be healthy again, or , to see our loved one recover from a dreadful disease and be safe and sound once again? Isn’t ‘knowledge’ wealth – for without it – it would be difficult to navigate the different places around us ?Why then do we let ourselves develop a tunnel vision just for materialistic possessions?

In all
probability , it might not be possible for us to understand on our own – what ‘true’ wealth is ! Does wealth and wealthy refer to people with millions in their bank account , or , to those who have a bare nominal amount in their accounts ?Neither will actually ever know. If there is anyone who knows anything at all about this – then it is only God and ‘guru.’ The only thing that we can do is try our best to follow their guidance and directions unfailingly. If we develop the skill to listen to Him ; to challenge ourselves to follow the path towards which He guides us – we are bound to find true wealth. And, maybe, that is what we all should pray for – His blessings ; His presence in our lives ; His Hand on our head. Because once we have all of this – there is none wealthier than us.

Swami ji said…

Many a time ; in fact, more often, than we would like to admit, haven’t we said – “आज उसकी खैर नहीं… उसको आने तो दो!”

• when we are angry with someone.
  Seething with anger, we wait impatiently for that person and when he finally appears before us, we feel a dam of emotions burst within us, as we let out all the anger, animosity and annoyance that was within us – and , then, there is nothing that can stop the tirade of words, that we target at the person in our crosshairs. Whether he is truly guilty or innocent of the charges levelled by us, is completely irrelevant to us, at that particular time period. However , if, we were to calmly re – play and analyse the manner in which we had reacted and behaved, during those moments, we would be appalled at our terrible conduct.The mental preparation rehearsal, re-enactment of the intended showdown – that is planned and played out by us, over and over again, in our mind – as we intend to hurt him in a way – that he hasn’t been before – is something that we would be ashamed of in calmer circumstances.

Have we ever asked ourselves as to why do we have to prepare ourselves – with harsh words; rehearse the rude attitude and unkind manner in which we would confront the blameworthy party or person? The answer is very simple. It is because God and Nature never planned us to be that way. Anger and hate do not come naturally to us. Babies are not born yelling and screaming. Hate and vitriol are worn by us, donned by us and then discarded after a while. In fact, for the kind souls who live amongst us – they find a lot of discomfort in working themselves up into any sort of rage. They feel drained after being angry. In fact, their mind does not allow anger to rise in them in situations, where the rest of us would be boiling in rage. We often term such people as soft and unfit for the real world; whereas, to be honest, such people are closer to the true nature of their ‘soul’ – one that is of peace and empathy. It is we , who actually live in a delusional world – where we feel we must ‘teach a lesson’, ‘give the other person a piece of our mind’, ‘keep a tight leash’ – as we are wrongly convinced that – that is the right way to deal with the world.

Thus, we need to understand that – ‘Kindness’ is not an ‘act’. It is a reflection of our souls.We were always meant to be so. Compassionate, considerate and courteous – as the soft glow that radiates from our ‘soul’ – has always been desirous of illuminating us with the light of these gem like qualities – rare to find, in many of us, today.

We are all God’s children, and thus are connected to one another. It is thus natural for us to be kind to others. When we see another human cry in pain, we momentarily forget the ‘ideals’ and ‘philosophies’ that are used to distinguish us from others , and , instead, sincerely hope and pray that he gets better and recovers quickly. This is because that is our true nature.
While we might feel ‘satisfied’ and ‘happy’ at the thought of causing someone misery – the entire scenario changes – when we actually come across someone who is hurt or is in pain. We will not come across anyone who is not willing to help and come to rescue others – even though he could be stunned and taken aback momentarily, in the beginning, at the scene before him. After all, we were made to help each other.

Can we even imagine for a second – the kind of individuals – each one of us would evolve into – if we were to remember that all that we do ; whatever we do – should flow out naturally from us – where there is no pretence in our behaviour; no artificiality in our smile ; no masks worn by us to cover our ‘real’ expressions of dislike and distrust in the other person – by pretending to be all good and noble? Our ‘soul’ does not wear two heads. Does it? Then why should we distort and convolute the divine shape and nature of the ‘soul’ through our odious, ignoble and ill – thought ‘acts’ and reflect our ‘soul’ in poor light. The ‘soul’ radiates divine love and heavenly radiance and that is what it would be happiest to see each one of us do – love all ; hate none ; to treat all those around us with respect and humility – bowing in salutation to the ‘soul’ that resides in each one of us.

Swami ji said…

The pure joy that lights up a baby’s face; the gurgling laughter that rings out, on being thrown up in the air by his father , over – riding fear of any kind – is a delightful sight to behold. The moment gains greater significance as it highlights the complete sense of surrender that the child places in his father ; secure , sure and confident that his father – will hold him in his arms ; will not let him slip through and will not let go off him. A baby – who doesn’t know much about what awaits him in this lifetime – during those innocence filled days – knows only one thing – that his parents arms are his safe haven, as he trustingly nestles and cuddles up in them. It is this trust; complete faith, acceptance and surrender in their father’s ability to cut short their fall – by catching them in their arms – that makes them fearless and carefree. They are sure that nothing untoward will happen to them and there is no cause of worry.

Now, if, as little children, we , could trust our parents blindly – then what happens to that element of trust – as we grow and mature ? Why does our trust in God – our Father in Heaven – decrease ?
Why is it so difficult for us to be convinced that whatever is happening with us ; to us – is happening because He wants, wills and desires it to be that way ? Why do we find it extremely difficult to harbour the same degree of trust in God; in our Creator as we had placed earlier in our parents ?
Where is that spirit of surrender? We get upset and distraught at the first sign of turbulence in our set life. How could any incident or issue , for which we feel we were not responsible, and, had not catered for in our wildest imagination – whip up a storm in our life – we rage angrily ? ‘How can something go ‘wrong’ in a life that we feel had been planned to perfection by us?’

This obsession that we have with ourselves – is well fed by the ‘ego’ – which inflates us with wicked suggestions that – ‘All that is happening – is happening – because ‘you’ are making it happen’. ‘If it wasn’t for you – it wouldn’t have happened this way !’ And, gullible that we are – we lap up every command that the ego issues – and then onwards are mostly on a power trip – as we attribute every achievement and award – to the prowess of the mighty and powerful ‘I’. Our moods swing with the day to day occurrences in our life – from ecstatic to morose. We are pretty as peach one day; and dark as thunder the next. We are willing to suffer mentally, but , are not ready to accept and surrender to the eternal truth that it is not ours but God’s plan alone that works.

Once in a while we do hear someone say – ” I have surrendered myself to God.” ” My surrender to God is complete!” But , if , our surrender is so complete, then why do we ask Him for any thing at all? Why do we repeatedly ask Him for wealth ; a better future ; for good things to happen to us? Why do we look at God with the hope that He will solve all our problems and get us what we think we need. More often than not, we try to plan what is the best for us, and, hope that He will listen to our prayers and make our plans work when we request and beseech Him to do as ‘we’ desire. Such is the folly of the mind.

True surrender does not mean inaction, nor , does it mean that we should stop analysing our life and head blindly into tomorrow. What true surrender means is that – we begin to realise that what is truly in our control – is our actions – and our actions only ; and what is not – is the external world around us ; the circumstances that we are in, and, all that we will face in the future. True surrender liberates the mind – from wandering around – over which we have no control. A person, who has truly surrendered to God, will focus solely on his own actions. He will live life in the best way that he can – irrespective of the circumstances in which he lives, without asking God for any help or favour. He might live a life which might not leave a mark in the world – but will certainly make God proud of him – when He sees him doing his ‘karma’ and living life with complete surrender in God’s will.

Swami ji said…

The thought of any festival lights up our face with delightful smiles and joyous eyes. We are barely able to wait to celebrate it in our own special way. Such is our deep connection with festivals – that we consider them to exclusive, individualistic celebrations – because of which we often have our own ideas and suggestions about the way they should be celebrated. Elaborate planning, preparation and purchasing for the festival begin well in advance. Every little detail is looked into. Inputs are taken from here and there and additions are made at the last minute too. A ritual which perhaps had not been performed by us in the past – is incorporated anew – with a lot of faith and devotion. The list of ‘to – do’ is rechecked to ensure that nothing has been left out by us.

The excitement and elation are palpable, infectious – during the days preceding the actual day of the festival – as each one of us is determined to put in everything – in lighting up our homes or decorating the Christmas tree; bedecking the Goddess with beautiful attire and jewellery on Dussehra or depicting the birth of Jesus Christ with figurines on Christmas ; laying out the most delicious, traditional feast ever on the dining table – and dressing up in expensive and stylish clothes – as we want to look our best – thereby further enhancing the flavour and fragrance of the festival.

The ‘external’ part of the festival is taken care of with a sense of complete involvement. At times, we might even go overboard while spending money on celebrating the festival – aware that its presentation is subject – to the eagle eye of numerous onlookers. But , do we for a moment focus on the essence; the reason for the celebration? Do we reflect on the most vital aspect of the festival ? The message underlying the celebration of the festival. What exactly are we celebrating? Isn’t there more to a festival than only enjoying the flavour of the mouth-watering dishes that are cooked by us , exchanging gifts and wearing new clothes ?

Do we recall the countless sacrifices that were made by all these great, noble souls – whether they were founders of new religions or vanquishers of evil – as they had taken blood-soaked steps – to accomplish the formidable task ; to achieve the goal that destiny had in mind for them? Can we imagine even for a second the bitter hardships; the pain that they must have endured at leaving their families and the comfort of their homes – understand the sense of fear that must have pervaded them at the thought of the obstacles that lay ahead of them ? Are we able to relate with even a fraction of the self – restraint that they must have had to impose on themselves as they moved ahead – undaunted – without turning back to look at what they were leaving behind?

Many of them freed themselves from the ‘powerful’ grip that their ‘senses’ had on them and in fact ‘overpowered’ them with their mental strength – as suffering and endurance – had become their new friends.There was nothing that they would complain about. They were in an eternal state of happiness. Do we stand anywhere close to these luminous souls? Rather, we are victims of our senses – always clamouring for everything in excess. Our happiness is dependent on others and material possessions.

The message of peace that was always stressed upon by God – seems to have been forgotten by man completely as today, many a times, he finds it difficult to live peacefully with his immediate family members. So selfish have we become – that, today, our ‘greed’ dominates over our needs. A filled wallet refuses to part with money – even to help the weak and helpless. We, as human beings, are not only losing faith in each other, but, even in God. We need to remember that it is only our devotion and faith in God that shows us light in the darkest of days – much like the bright light of the lit up lamps and lights on festivals – that light up a dark night.