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” Our physical being means the world to us. In fact it means everything to us and , thus , we remain engaged with it all our lives, coping with a desire to maintain a young appearance. Perhaps, we are unable to accept the natural progression of age in our appearance when we look at ourselves in the mirror. The heartache on seeing oneself transform from an energetic youngster into a wrinkled, frail elderly frame proves to be the undoing for many. They find it very hard to accept that age is finally catching up with them. We accept the changes that take place in our lifestyle, change in taste, new relationships , but , a look in the mirror and the appearance of a few creased lines, dark circles under tired eyes and grey strands of hair are enough to send us scurrying for desperate beautification measures. Why are we unable to accept the fact that similar to the manner in which nature witnesses changing climates, our physical bodies too, have to change with the continuous aging process. Every living thing is prone to deacay , disease and ageing. Sooner or later all of us will witness these physical changes during the lifespan that God allows us to live. But what we must strive to do is…’जीवन में निरंतर सक्रिय रहो और अपने कर्तव्य का पालन करो।…’ “

” Our aging process should not give us an excuse to become lethargic, inactive and dependent on others unless and until we have a valid, plausible reason to do so. Do not forget the fate of unused iron. It tends to rust and is of no use to anyone. Stagnant water turns into a dirty puddle if it fails to find a new direction of flow. A brain that is not utilised to think , to analyse, to remain involved in some activity or the other will very soon forget the role it is supposed to perform and its inactivity can make it dull and slow. The elders at home must make an attempt to change with the changing times and let the younger lot know that they are around to give them their support and advice as and when needed. The children on their part must understand the health issues that come along with old age, treat their parents with love and respect and encourage them to be active participants in decision making and other family affairs. Make them feel ‘useful’, rather than branding them ‘ useless.’ After all, the children too will grow old one day.”

” Do not think for a minute that since I am your ‘guru’ , I will remain unaffected by old age. As I age , I , too will not remain the same. My physical being too will perish one day. But, what I do know is that since …” मै इस संसार मे एक सीमित समय के लिए आया हूं और तुम सब का गुरू होने के नाते मेरा कर्तव्य है कि मै अपने भक्तों को सम्पूर्ण सत्य का ज्ञान दूं, अपने संदेश दूं और किसी को दरबार से खाली हाथ नही भेजूं ! मेरा जो कर्तव्य है वह मै जरूर करूंगा …चाहे वह एक भक्त सुने या दो भक्त, चाहे वह मेरे शब्दों को अपनायें या ना अपनायें।”

” And, in a similar manner, I would like to see my devotees carry out all their duties in the best possible manner ; responsibly , lovingly and caringly – without questioning, complaining and holding any bitterness. Acceptance of ‘all’ that comes your way – a windfall or tragedy, a loss or a gain , purely due to ‘His’ will, will make you place yourself in ‘His’ loving care with implicit faith. Deep rooted belief in Divine will, will help you greatly in playing all the roles and fulfilling all the duties that ‘He’ wants you to fulfil in this lifetime with a happy frame of mind. None of you should shy away from stepping forward and taking responsibility for the work, the duty and task that you know deep within you has been allotted to you by ‘Him’ for your family, friends and society. Feel for those who are not as fortunate as you. You need to rise above your personal selfish requirements and relate with the suffering of those who are affected by strife, calamities and epidemics. The misconception that rules your mind that only the poor die is cleared only when you face death yourself. So, take it upon yourself to contribute in whichever way you can and make your presence felt, be it in the smallest measure.”

” All my devotees , irrespective of their age, should remember that …’ अच्छे ‘कर्तव्य’ karne वाले लोगों को हमेशा याद किया जाता है, मन मे भी शब्दों में भी और जीवन में भी …”

Swamiji’s said…

” Discontentment arises from within – a growing dissatisfaction, with our circumstances and life conditions, that gnaws at our heart and mind. The mind perceives what it experiences in the world as unsatisfactory and constantly longs for more. There is a constant urge to ‘attain’ more. Yet, curiously enough, we never realize that it is the mind that is suffering, and, thus , it is the mind that needs to be cured – and not the everchanging external that one experiences.”

” However, we all go on struggling to ‘better’ our lives – by looking to make more money, live in bigger houses, ride in fancier cars and visit exotic locations. Yet, after every achievement, every elevation in one’s standard of living, the same discontentment finds its way into our hearts. For there is always something more, something better that the world has to offer. And, again, the mind is agitated and convinced that only when the next ‘goal’ is attained, will we be truly happy and satisfied.”

” Ultimately, our ‘mental being’ becomes a slave to the world around us. If it is not in the form of recognition for possession of the most expensive physical objects, there is a need for social acceptance then. We look for approval from those around us for our looks, clothes, behaviour, etc. If we do not feel appreciated enough, we again fall into an abyss of depression and darkness where we loathe ourselves for not being ‘good enough’.

” The question that arises then is – How can one be content ?
Contentment can be attained by simply counting one’s blessings. If we are able to move freely, have friends and family who care for us, and have enough to eat – then we must be grateful for being in a state that millions of others still dream of. While it is important and necessary to have goals, one must learn to live with the uncertainty of realizing all of them. One must learn to find satisfaction in trying one’s best and leaving the rest to God. It is those who ‘live’ life to the fullest without complaining, who take pleasure in the journey of life, in the sights and sounds of life, who adventurously go through the dips and turns ; they are the ones who find true contentment. Those who pass through life in search of materialistic treasures are bound to be in despair.”

” We must learn from the saints and wise men who have always seen that which they possess as abundant and beyond sufficient. If there is to be any discontentment in life, it should not be for what one has not obtained, but rather for what one has not been able to give to the world around him. Our time in this world is limited ; we must use the time we have here for our spiritual betterment. Disenchantment and discontentment only take us further away from God.”

” Believe me when I say that nobody and nothing can make you feel content and genuinely happy unless you are determined to feel so ; are willing to be happy within you ; with the scenario that life has placed you in ; when your heart and mind overflow with gratitude for God’s plan for you and this thought alone makes you feel blissful and happy. ” ‘संतुष्ट’ जीवन सफल aur सदैव श्रेष्ठ होता है , क्योंकि सफलता सदैव दूसरों के द्वारा आंकलित होती है जबकि ‘संतुष्टि’
स्वयं के ‘मन’ और ‘मस्तिष्क’ द्वारा…”

” The bubble of ‘make – believe’ in which we live creates a wrong perception in us that our level of contentment is associated directly with our success and is dependent on the applause, analysis and appreciation that we receive from outsiders and other external , superficial factors. This is the biggest mistake made by most of us. Discontent that we are – the desperation to create and present a deceptive image to the world makes us wear a crown of thorns, bearing the pain inflicted by the needle like thorns and fake a smile ; rather than live life with a content heart and mind, understanding that contentment is not about always getting what one wants , but , to appreciate, love and live in gratitude with what one has – with a genuine smile on his face ; one that is straight from the heart.”

Swami ji said…

” It is strange, but, true that most of us have formed a firm opinion that the ‘battle’ which we have to fight on a daily basis, not just to exist, but , to survive and live on our ‘karm-bhumi’ can never be easy. ‘How can life be easy – with issues, difficulties and problems raising their heads all the time from the most unexpected quarters ? ‘ – we question.The mere thought of having a problem at hand; facing a challenge or overcoming a difficulty sets off panic within us. Our mind becomes agitated. It becomes restless and is unable to find ways and means of solving the problem. Solutions appear to be nowhere in sight. Pessimistic thoughts deluge all other sensible thoughts. We curse the problem for having surfaced without any warning and fail to understand…’ जिस प्रकार उबलते पानी में कभी परछाई नहीं दिखती है, ठीक उसी प्रकार परेशान मन से समाधान भी नहीं दिखते हैं …”

” Yet, rarely do we ever think that ‘problems’ inherently are not wicked or evil. They are quite simply occurrences or events that we did not anticipate or prepare ourselves for. It is the agitation, anger and fear that rises within us on facing problems that actually harm us.”

” Most of us face similar problems related to health, wealth, family, etc. Yet, some seem to come out better than others from the shadows of difficulties and concerns. The answer – as to how they are able to do this lies in understanding how much control do they have over their mind. They refuse to be cowed down and thrown off balance by the magnitude of the challenge that stands in their way.They do not allow situations to control them but rather are in control of difficult situations, and , are not willing to let anything affect their mental peace. They believe – ‘शांत मन
और धैर्य से रहने पर समस्याओं का हल जरूर मिलता है।”

” A clear mind sees solutions immediately, while a restless and weak mind only sees more obstacles, visualises great pain and suffering in the face of any difficulty. In the face of a problem, the mind must be objective and should be able to assess the situation for what it actually is. This can only be possible if it has been trained repeatedly and rigorously to focus and not let loose like a wild horse.”

” The mind , if , focussed can rarely be unnerved by any problem. It thus must be directed to stay calm and composed through reflection and meditation. The distractions that are prevalent all around us rarely give the mind any time to rest. We are constantly ‘consuming’ – in some form or another.The mind thus behaves like a monkey – jumping from one thought to another, never staying still. It is due to this reason that when deep reflection, insight, and listening to one’s instinct is required, the mind fails in the face of problems as it is easily distracted by thoughts of fear and uncertainty.”

” ‘ मन की शांति’ – is the greatest wealth that we can possess as it alone keeps us strong and unfazed during the most turbulent times of our life.”

” The clock ticks away – without a pause. Every moment lived by us – passes into eternity – leaving behind etched memories, impressions and experiences. Time is unconquerable. We cannot exercise any control over it. Rather, it is time that has the power to govern us and our fate ; the wisdom to keep us in check and the ability to discipline us in a subtle manner. Time is our greatest teacher. Surely, it teaches us to endure pain; it also endows us with the strength to accept a loss by standing with us. If it makes us sad, forlorn and cry on certain days, it also gives us an opportunity to beam, smile and rejoice on other days, trying to instil in us the core message that – ‘समय’ और ‘भाग्य’ दोनों ही परिवर्तनशील है, इन पर किसी को ‘अंहकार’ नहीं करना चाहिए …’”

“Time, fate, destiny are dynamic. Therefore, rather than turning arrogant on achieving success, or a nervous wreck in difficulty or despair; one must accept the varied nature and colours of life that time permits.Time elates us one day and can leave us broken and defeated the very next. Scoring continuous wins in life should not make us feel that “हम ने ‘वक्त’ पे ‘विजय’ पा ली है…or being unsuccessful shouldn’t deter our morale to such an extent that we start believing -‘कि हम ‘वक्त’ से ‘हार’ गए हैं।’ Rather, our aim should be to learn – from every win and loss; every tear of joy and every gasp of fear.”

” Time alone knows where it intends to take us and what it desires to lay out before us, as it is well versed with what is good and appropriate for us, and, accordingly serves the ‘best’ for us at the most appropriate time. And, although, all the while it does so, knowingly and lovingly, without nursing any malice against us for ‘wasting’ it, time is the happiest when it sees us learning from our missed chances. It is generous enough to give us as many opportunities and chances to reform and refine ourselves as long as we utilise it in a fruitful manner.”

” ‘वक़्त’ से ‘हारा’ या ‘जीता’ नही जाता…केवल ‘सीखा’ जाता है…’ But, when we refuse to understand this, at times, the consequences can be fatal and detrimental. The Mahabharata narrates the foolish and arrogant attitude of Shishupala, Lord Krishna’s cousin, who had always humiliated and insulted the Lord for no particular reason. On being abused by Shishupala constantly, Lord Krishna had warned him that He would bear not more than a hundred insults hurled by Shishupala at him. When Shishupala refused to pay heed to the words of the Lord and insulted the Lord more than a hundred times, he had to pay with his life as he was beheaded by Lord Krishna’s ‘sudarshan chakra’. Shishupala paid the price for not absorbing the warning underlying Lord Krishna’s words – for not seeing that time was willing to give him an opportunity to learn from his past mistakes and improve himself. He, thus, perished at the hands of Vishnu ‘avatar’ – Lord Krishna.”

( Excerpts from ‘ Divine Grace ‘ – a book authored by a devotee on Swami ji.)

” This world of which you are an inhabitant is nothing but an ocean of turbulence and disquiet. Nothing could be more untrue, false and illusionary than this ‘sansar’. Everything that you see around you is ‘maya’.You wrongly believe that everything you see around you is the only reality. You are farthest from reality when you think on such lines. You believe everything that your eyes see as you have always been looking ‘outwards’. You have to turn your eyes ‘inwards’ and see the ‘Real’ you.”

” Everything ; ‘all’ and ‘sundry’ that we see around is ‘mithya’…a mirage, a false, imaginary creation of our mind as ‘it’ is all that we desire to see. We nurse the wrong notion that everything we see around us is Real – that it ‘is’ there ; it exists; that things are actually happening and taking place.The truth is that nothing really exists. We imagine that we have this body with which we relate ourselves. We relate our existence, our experiences, every little thing with this ‘body’ and hardly pay any attention to our ‘soul’. We fail to understand that the only element truly alive and eternal about us is our ‘soul’. We must accept this as the Absolute Truth… ‘sampoorna satya’…and our foremost goal in this lifetime should be to liberate the ‘soul’, release it from this cage ; our body, and, attain ‘moksha’ by focussing on God.”

” We associate ourselves purely with the body and allow it to take precedence over everything else. We relate ourselves with our physical entity and identity to such an extent that our intent remains only to clean the outer self of our being – which is visible to the world, and , foolishly forget to give importance to the cleansing of our inner self ; the ‘soul’ … which is most vital.”

” As we are trapped in a web of ‘moh maya’ … attachment and illusion…we willingly and happily reside within the confines of this comfort zone , as our ignorance of the Real Truth , our limited knowledge has instilled within us, that ‘moh maya’ is the only world that actually exists. ‘Moh’… Affection, deep love, and attachment for our family members and friends makes it difficult for us to understand that we have come only to part. It is extremely necessary for us to comprehend that ‘maya’ also refers to every action that is made by us , by our body ; our limbs, our eyes, eyelashes, fingers. The flickering movement of our eyelids, the sensations that we feel ; the actions made while eating, talking…every little movement made by us is nothing but ‘maya’, and blissfully unaware that we are of this eternal fact, we choose to remain embroiled in this illusion of ‘maya’ that is all around us , within us… till the time we are in this body , till our dying breath.”

” People who say that they have freed themselves from ‘moh maya’ are speaking the untruth as it is not possible for us to free ourselves from ‘moh maya’ till the last breath in our body. You are dependent on others, in every which way for your very existence. Can you think of standing even for a second without the support that the Earth provides you with ! Aren’t you dependent on farmers, industries etc.to fulfil all your needs and requirements ? One just can’t live all by himself, all alone. It is not possible even for a saint or sage to live all by himself. He too is dependent on nature and others for his survival.”