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Swami ji said…

Life is filled with opportunities. And, there are some among us who choose to focus on these opportunities, and, give a specific ‘purpose’ to their lives. Once they are crystal clear about it, they are willing to give their cent percent — to fight tooth and nail to realise that purpose. They refuse to flounder and drown in the sea of deceptive distractions. Instead, they stay afloat, remaining committed to the promise they made to their own purpose.

One needs only to be daring enough to attempt the ‘unthinkable’; to be adventurous enough to take risks and test one’s endurance in order to achieve one’s aspiration. Merely dreaming of attaining a lifelong ambition, while making half-hearted attempts that clearly show our lack of sincerity and commitment – can never serve any purpose. At times , when we are questioned by others on not talking much about the ‘purpose’ that we had talked at great length about earlier – and on finding ourselves cornered – we try to pass the blame for not having succeeded ; for having met failure — onto the endless distractions that, in a strange way, always seem to wield greater power over us, and, inexorably pull us away from the very purpose we had set so clearly for our life.

Distractions — loud, unruly, and tempting — find it all too easy to lure us away from the long, tiring hours of hard work and perseverance that we need to and even intend to put in – which seem to die a natural death in the cacophony of distractions. And, just when we are struggling to stay true to our purpose – by trying desperately to pull our senses inwards – “बाहर की चमक धमक से…” – our defences seem to fall , right then and there, and, ‘distractions’ win hands down over our ‘purpose’.

The hold of our purpose should be so strong and firm over us that in the tug – of – war that ensues between our purpose and distractions – our purpose stands ground without giving an inch to the bewitching lights of distractions. Rather we should know when to hold our distractions at abeyance – and let them know that our purpose holds more meaning for us than the inviting diversions.

All of us yearn to hold powerful positions, earn a king’s fortune. A few among us, blessed with a vivid imagination and a strong will, are able to shape these dreams into a clear vision for their life. But that vision can bear fruit only when it is guarded carefully — when we choose, day after day, to let our purpose speak louder than every distraction that calls us away from it.

The world today offers many distractions — entertainment, social media. We can go on and on as the list is endless. Man struggles with these. They nag him, sway his focus, and draw him away from his duties. Many a time, it seems that man wants to be distracted — to escape the effort and struggle needed to remain focused. The mind revels in the pleasure these distractions offer and keeps seeking more. It is these distractions that consume his time, quietly stealing away the hours that could have been dedicated to his purpose.

The spiritual seeker finds this to be an even greater challenge. God, too, needs our ‘time’ and ‘effort’ if we seek Him from our body, mind and soul. Yes, this is difficult. The mind — always seeking comfort and pleasure, always avoiding restraint and sacrifice — must be reined in again and again. The way to achieve this is to cultivate constant awareness. To remain on guard and bring ourselves back each time we notice that the mind has drifted into indulgence or carelessness. Of course, the mind needs rest, but we must always strive to be its master — never its servant.

Simplicity, both in thought and in life, is one of the surest means of attaining focus and a controlled mind. Those who place too much value on material possessions, who are overly concerned with satisfying the senses, become deeply entangled in the material world. As a result, they require far more effort — and experience far more pain — to steady the mind and turn away from indulgence. But, those who live a life centred not on the ‘senses’, but , on the ‘self’, find it much easier to focus on all that needs to be done to realise God one day.

Swami ji said…

” Land. Houses. Property. Financial assets.” The very thought of inheriting material assets, one day, in any form, movable or immovable, has the power to light up our eyes. It makes us heave a sigh of relief at the visual of a perfectly comfortable, anticipated future with wealth and monetary assets by our side. A slightly sour taste may linger in the mouth for a minute or two – at the thought of having to ‘share’ one’s parental property with other siblings – but, then acceptance of the fact that riches, wealth and worldly goods have to be shared with one’s siblings, and, that worldly goods can always find more than one successor- sets in.

And yes, it is here that we must remember that although — “धन, दौलत, संपत्ति के उत्तराधिकारी अनेक लोग हो सकते हैं… परंतु हमारे हर कर्म के लिए,
केवल हम स्वयं ही उत्तराधिकारी होते हैं…” The ringing truth in the stark finality of the words above may sound ominous to some, and they may reject it outright by saying, “I don’t believe in the theory of karma…” “I have never done anything wrong…” “I have no idea about my past karma…” — and they may go on and on thus – defending their stance and viewpoint. But, at the same time, there are others who accept the same statement as a simple truth and find nothing amiss in acknowledging that ‘they’ themselves are — and will always be — accountable for every ‘karma’ of ‘theirs’.

The fruits and consequences of our actions, our ‘karma’ – past and present – are to be carried and borne only and only by us. They are solely our Cross to bear. God, ‘guru’, parents, relatives, or friends — none can take away this burden from us. When Lord Vishnu came to Earth in His various ‘avatars’, He too was subject to this law of ‘karma’. Whether as Lord Ram or Shri Krishna, even ‘He’ was subject to the effects of His actions.

But, if, we learn to internalise and acknowledge this — accept it and act accordingly — the quality of our actions and our approach to life will drastically change for the better. Knowing that we shall reap what we sow, we will become focused on the quality of our deeds. We will be mindful and will take care of what we say and do. We will try to cleanse the mind of thoughts that might lead us astray. The awareness of the consequences arising from our own actions will keep us ‘morally’ vigilant, and, this will create the ‘self-discipline’ needed for those seeking the path of enlightenment.

We need to remember that neither can we inherit our parents good deeds, nor, can our children inherit ours. This is an important learning because many times we mistakenly hold ourselves responsible for what has happened and is happening to others. No amount of good intent, sacrifice or effort on our part – has even an iota of effect on what others around us experience. What it can do, however, is inspire them to act in a similar manner.

Our lives are nothing but an opportunity — given to each one of us — to perform good deeds in devotion to God. If we try to devote every little act to God, or, remember Him during every deed and every action, then we will also reap the great reward of His acceptance and His love in return. Why will He not love us when He sees us remain steadfast to the values of truthfulness, honesty, ‘nek vichar’ ‘satya ke marg par chalne ki poori koshish karte huay’ ; volunteer to walk the path ‘difficult’ – instead of taking the easy way out by lying smoothly; by being deceptively deceitful to fool, please and hoodwink everyone? All we need to do is to – Do good. Be good. Think good – as that is the ‘karma’ He wants to see His children do.

Swami ji said…

“Who has the patience? Not me!” “I can’t wait that long!” Such words, filled with restlessness and agitation, have become the language of our times. We want everything — ‘जल्द से जल्द’. And, in this haste, we seldom pause to say…“I’m grateful to God.” “He has always done what’s best for me.” “हम क्या ‘नीली छतरीवाले’ को ‘शुक्रिया’ कहना भूल जाते हैं — वो हर चीज़ के लिए जो वो हमें देते हैं क्योंकि हमारा ध्यान तब तक दूसरी चीज़ को पाने में लग जाता है…”

Gratitude is quickly forgotten. The mind races ahead, chasing the next desire. If this scenario feels familiar – then, it is time to stop, to restrain ourselves and to free the mind from this ungrateful, impatient disposition towards our Creator and direct ourselves to be patient. Impatience has become the order of the day – and if we could have our way – we would love to have, possess and acquire – all that we have set our heart at. The problem today is that -” हमें सब कुछ उसी क्षण…तभी के तभी चाहिए…” ” “We want it now. This very instant…” – is the present mindset. Our impulses rise and fall faster than our breath. Spontaneous choices – made without thought, become habits. We rush through life, measuring happiness with speed — forgetting that divine timing is never hurried, yet always perfect.

Those who walk the spiritual path slowly begin to understand that patience – ‘सब्र’ is not inaction — it is faith in motion. To wait calmly is to trust God’s rhythm. To accept delay without complaint is to acknowledge His higher wisdom. How beautiful will life be – “अगर हम ईश्वर का ‘शुक्र’ करें जब वो हमें कुछ भी देते हैं – और ‘सब्र’ करें जब वो हमें अपनी मांगी हुई चीज़ नहीं देते हैं…”

The spiritual seeker has to learn to be grateful when God gives and be patient when God withholds. He has to respect the truth that God gives us everything at the right time. There is no such thing as late or early. Everything we have been given has been given to us at the right time.Even problems come to us at the ‘right’ time and go away at the ‘right’ time. Our wishing them away early is purely a waste of time and effort.
Often times, this same very impatience is triggered when we see other people succeed in their ways. We ask God – “Why are we not being rewarded immediately? Why is it taking so much time?” It is very important to take a step back at such times and count one’s blessings. It is important to remember that God gives everyone what they deserve in their time.

Patience must not be considered a great uphill endeavour. Yes, controlling one’s frustrations, not giving into one’s impulses, these do require resilience and strength. But this same very patience – having faith in God and His plans; having faith in one’s actions – makes one peaceful in heart and mind. Such a person is no longer afflicted with anxiety about the future. He is able to rejoice in what he has ‘today’ and is content in doing his best ‘today’. He does not live life only in ‘expectation’. He is happy and finds joy in what he has ‘now’ and is unbothered by what fruits his labour brings.
While it might seem difficult to understand, but, such an attitude – unburdened by a constant urge to be rewarded, to be recognised for one’s actions – is what is needed to achieve true success in life. Such an attitude makes one averse to pain and risk. When one is unmotivated by the fruits of one’s actions – and instead trusts God to do the right thing for him – such an individual is not afraid to try what might seem impossible to others. For such a person is rarely disappointed, develops an ability to be focussed on the task at hand and does it to the best of his ability and is able to sustain painstaking endeavours as he is not looking for immediate reward.

Always remember – Life is beautiful when we live it in a state of thankfulness, all the time, irrespective of what it brings to us on a daily basis. Once we wear a garb of gratitude – it shouldn’t matter to us – whether it is severe hardship or a joyful development- that finds its way to us. Days of difficulties – will come to an end one day – and, similarly, every day cannot give us a reason to celebrate. We just have to be patient, but, unfortunately that is one quality that is fast fading from our lives- as our constant yearning for everything under the Sun is making us impatient.
We should remain so busy counting our blessings, placing complete trust in His timing and planning – that ‘ impatience’ finds it difficult to overcome the stoic ‘patience’ in us – as we understand –
” ‘सब्र’ का फल मीठा होता है…”

Swami ji said…

“The world is watching me…” “They will be impressed when they see me do this…” “I’ll show them who I am…” So deeply embedded in consciousness is man’s concern about what others think of him and how they view him – that he does not even realise as to how aligned his actions and motivations are with his vanity. The phrase – “Money makes the mare run” – sums up our society’s ideals today. People work hard and strive for success. But what is this ‘success’ we seek? Some of us work at prestigious companies, some have successful businesses, others hold very high offices. Some have such great wealth that – neither they nor their future generations need to ever work. Yet, does this itself satisfy us. Are we content with all the things that we possess and all that we have achieved? Those very things that God gives us in this life on account of some good ‘karma’ done by us the past. The answer in most cases… “No. We are not satisfied.”

The strange desire ; the need to some how announce to the world, to let it know that we are doing great and should be noticed – gets the better of us and in a way – “Look at me! Admire me!” is what we really want to say to the world. And, this deep-rooted, needless desire in us – to be noticed, to be seen, to be known – often takes a dangerous turn. Most of us, in one way or another, are attention-seekers, and this constant craving can quietly carve deceptive patterns of self-indulgence, extravagance, and wastefulness into the mind. Without a moment’s hesitation, we surrender to these impulses, drawn by the lure of a grand, ostentatious lifestyle that promises instant gratification.

In this pursuit, many fall into the trap of excesses. Do we not hear of people sinking under the burden of loans and EMIs – living perpetually in debt – just to maintain a luxurious status and false appearances. The ambitions of worldly life begin to replace the simplicity of real contentment. Gradually, we start valuing display over depth, appearance over authenticity.

True worth never needs a show. When our actions, intentions, and character shine with honesty and humility – recognition follows naturally. No amount of adornment or display can substitute for inner grace. The world may be impressed by our possessions, but, the divine eye looks only for purity of thought and sincerity of purpose. We must remind ourselves constantly – Live not for this world – for all in it rots and decays. Our skin wrinkles and sags as we age. The walls of houses crumble and fall. Relationships end. People’s thoughts about us keep changing. They might admire us one moment, and, envy us the very next. The ‘success’ that we thought would impress them becomes a cause of resentment later. Just to satisfy the vain ego ‘बाहरी दिखावे के चक्कर में…” for a few brief moments, we bring misery upon ourselves for a very long time. We must remember to maintain a lifestyle and standard of living that can be afforded by us comfortably and is well within our means. Rather than being ‘known’ only for the expensive material possessions – that have been acquired more to flaunt, and, dazzle others – by taking huge loans – causing ourselves great mental stress and tension – wouldn’t it be better if we are noticed by others due to our good ‘karma’, our helpful attitude, our friendly behaviour, our amiable and sympathetic nature and love for all ? Reflect on it.

Swami ji said…

Those among us who yearn, crave, and hold an ardent desire to know the ‘true’ meaning and ‘purpose’ of the life that we have been blessed with — “जो इच्छुक हैं ‘सम्पूर्ण सत्य’ को जानने के लिए; जो आध्यात्मिक पथ पर चलना चाहते हैं और ईश्वर को पाने के लिए व्याकुल हैं…” — find themselves overwhelmed when, in the most unexpected and unplanned manner, they are suddenly placed upon the path that leads them to the portals and threshold of an enlightened soul’s abode.
To truly experience the divine, powerful vibrations that a ‘सच्चे संत’s’ touch can create when He places His hand upon a seeker’s head – one must possess a genuine hunger and an insatiable thirst to see God, to know God, and ultimately, to merge with Him on the day He wills. When God sees this unfeigned इच्छा, this pure inner longing, He lovingly guides the devotee towards the ‘guru’ — who, also, has been waiting patiently to accept the ignorant soul as His own.

The meeting between a Guru and a prospective ‘bhakt’ is the beautiful culmination of God’s sacred plan to fulfil an earnest devotee’s fervent wish.
The unbreakable bond — “जो दिव्य तार एक ‘गुरु–शिष्य’ को जोड़ता है, उनको एक अटूट, दिव्य रिश्ते में बांधता है — वह बहुत ‘पवित्र’ और ‘भव्य’ होता है…” — as is built on the foundation of faith, honesty, and complete trust. The ‘guru’ knows everything about His devotee — his strengths and his weaknesses — from the very moment He sets His eyes upon him. Yet, He will never embarrass or shame the devotee by directly pointing out his shortcomings. Instead, He remains hopeful that the problems and complications arising in the devotee’s life due to these weaknesses can be overcome by sincerely following the ideals and principles shown by the ‘guru’.

To follow a ‘guru’s’ teachings is to live with divine purpose and once devotees begin to do that – then, they no longer live merely for the satisfaction of the ‘body’, but , instead, begin to live for the nourishment of the ‘soul’. Life’s troubles no longer appear arduous, nor, do the twists and turns of destiny unsettle them – in a way, they had done in the past. Instead, they learn to observe them with calm acceptance, even with gentle amusement – knowing that everything is unfolding under His watchful care.

When one lives as prescribed by the Guru, surrender becomes natural. He is entrusted with our tomorrow. He always provides us with what we truly need, but, not always that what we desire. Even in moments when our faith in Him dwindles, He continues to look after His disciples in the smallest, quietest and most unexpected ways. In His own subtle manner, He ensures that we are never left wanting, so that we may remain steadfast in our ‘bhakti’, focussing more on the soul and less on the distractions of the material world.Those who follow the ‘guru’s’ guidance learn to engage with the world not to satisfy their ego or pride, but to uplift and purify the soul. This becomes the surest way to avoid unnecessary pain and future crisis. A life rooted in a ‘guru’s’ teachings is, thus, one in which harmony and peace remain within reach.

The reassuring words -” Main hoon na …Tum chinta kyun karte ho…” said by the ‘guru’ – with a deep sense of commitment and responsibility – resonate with the devotees – when they unexpectedly
find themselves in deep waters – and on surrendering themselves at the Lotus Feet of their ‘guru’ – are more than surprised to find the strength within themselves – to wade determinedly – through the rough waters with ease and self – belief. Once it becomes second-nature of devotees to put into practice the ‘ Knowledge’ that they were fortunate enough to have assimilated from their ‘guru’ – they begin to live a life devoid of falsehood, deceit and dishonesty – which enables them to purify their ‘soul’ rapidly and ready themselves to face their Creator with the confidence that He will allow them to finally merge with Him.