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Swami ji said…

” That “Happiness is a ‘state of mind”, is something we all have heard many times over. A simple yet deep message that somehow does not seem to penetrate into our beliefs and behaviour.”

” Society has created numerous avenues for us to relax in ; for our entertainment. Movie theatres, restaurants, vacations, shopping malls, gyms and social media. There is a never-ending list of things for everyone to do and to ‘be happy’ it appears. Yet, there is anger, frustration, depression to be found all around us. It is tough to find a peaceful, happy soul who goes about the day, with a joyous smile to share.”

“Clearly, there is something amiss. In the pursuit of material wealth, man has forgotten that his happiness does not lie in sitting on a fancy car’s seat ; in a money laden bank account or on the admiration of other people of their beauty and life – style. We should take responsibility of our happiness and not depend on anyone or anything to make us happy. We should never make the mistake of placing our happiness in someone else’s hands.
Happiness simply lies within us and the key to it is in our hands. If we wish to be happy, we just simply have to be happy, come what may !”

” Why, then, does it seem so difficult to be happy? It is because we have ingrained in our mind that our happiness is associated with ‘acknowledgment’, ‘appreciation’ and ‘approval’ of others. And, if we do not get these, our lives seem to be empty ; and we find nothing worth celebrating and no reason to enjoy it. By simply letting these ‘external’ factors control our happiness ; we begin to find solace in the ‘darkness’ of unhappiness, which is able to extinguish the ‘light’ of happiness within us that was clearly visible to all earlier.”

” Yet, we must remember that we are the true masters of our fate. We are the captains of our mind. With reflection, meditative thought and introspection, we can learn to find happiness in all situations.
We must not be affected by what others think of us. If someone says or does something purely to annoy us, to spoil our mood, to make us react in a manner unsavoury, we must learn to simply ignore such antics and move on. We must not let our current situation , or , the results of our endeavours control our emotions, and , affect the state of our mind.We must learn to live in the moment and find a reason to laugh and appreciate life. Other people, material wealth or societal approval must not be the sole factors that have the power to determine our mood and self-worth.”

” Remember – ‘The so called ‘bad’ time, is actually the ‘good’ time, that leads us to the ‘better’ time.’ If we learn and imbibe this ‘mantra’ and make it a part of our life ; if we learn to believe that God has a plan for us and will take care of us, only then can one live life unafraid, filled with joy and wonder. Such a person will neither mope over his past nor have any tension about the future. He will simply seek to live the present day to the fullest, thereby, seeking joy and happiness in the simplest of things; appreciating the smallest of gestures, and, lighting up the mood of people around him with his infectious joyous attitude and endearing smile – as he believes that his happiness is in his own hands.”

Swami ji said…

” Nature around us is living proof of the change that keeps on taking place around us constantly, regularly and unfailingly. Not all days are sunny and not all nights are cold. A few days during the monsoon could be dry, devoid of rain, but, on some days there is a heavy downpour. Some changes take place fast, and, some happen ever so slowly, over a long period of time, that we barely register them – like the growing of a mountain – yet, a change is always happening out there. The world is never still.”

“Similarly, we , encounter change in our own lives. Some that is brought by us onto our own lives, and , some enforced upon us by the cosmos at large. And, not all change seems desirable. While some changes are perceived as good, the rest is often seen by us as irritating, tragic, adverse and unfortunate.”

” Man by nature seeks comfort – and comfort is found in that which is familiar and known to him. ‘Change’ on the other hand leads him into the unknown, and, dealing with the unknown causes doubt, stress and discomfort to the mind.”

” The loss of a loved one. The loss of a job ; a change in residence; a financial loss ; an accident – all can be painful occurrences in our lives that we have to deal with. These are changes from the ‘status quo’. Of course, such happenings do sadden the mind. Yet, even in these difficult times, one must take one step at a time, and, look to move forward in life. And, while even the smallest steps might seem heavy, gradually, one learns to adjust to one’s new conditions and begins to live life the way it is meant to be lived, without complaining.”

” But, people take the easy way out – they either lament on their ‘misfortune’ and ‘bad luck’, or, simply do not deal with the situation at hand by being rigid and stubborn. We tend to forget – ‘Nadi ka bahaav jis taraf hoga, hum ussi taraf toh jaate hain !’ Thus, we, too need to adapt to the changing mindset, lifestyle of the younger generation without resisting and constantly comparing the differences that come along with ‘change’.”

” There are various manifestations of such behaviour. Some complain about the ‘good old days’ not being there anymore. They only live in the past and mournfully live in the present. They seem resigned to the fact that only darkness lies ahead.Others, on the other hand, instead of trying to change their own actions and behaviour simply choose to ignore the change occurring around them. Instead of looking to adjust and evolve, they simply choose to get left behind in life.”

” While it could be difficult to understand in trying circumstances, we must learn to believe, that any change that we experience in our lives, is not ‘life’ trying to pull us down, but, rather is a call for action, a call for an evolution of ourselves. We must learn to welcome change in our lives instead of resisting it. ‘Change’ is often God’s way of telling us what He wants us to do. It is His method of communicating that what we are doing, the way we are behaving, is not the fulfilment of our potential.”

” The stories of all heroic figures have one thing in common – a change in their circumstances and how they emerged victorious from them. Adjusting to changing circumstances can be painful – but, we must remember that swords are forged from fire; and similarly, ‘change’ is the kiln in which we develop a strong character.”

” We are often irritated by the smallest of ‘change’ that takes place in our day to day lives. Be it a change in the time of a flight or a train ; change in a meeting venue ; the shifting of office premises etc. We rant about the inconvenience that is caused to us by these ‘changes’. Yet, we should learn to exercise restraint , and , smilingly accept these small hiccups of life. It is only then that we will be able to meet the ‘bigger changes’ in life in a calm and composed manner. Remember – ” ‘ मुस्कुराना सीखना पड़ता है…रोना तो पैदा होते ही आ जाता हैं!’ “

Swami ji said…

” In today’s day and age – looks, beauty and appearances are given paramount importance. People judge others by the cars they drive in, the houses they live in, their dressing sense and expensive life – style. People with attractive physical features, wealth and money are envied and admired.”

” Yet, all this is transient. With age, beauty diminishes and voices crack and weaken. Wealth that had been accumulated over the years can be spent and wasted by the next generation in a jiffy. In the midst of all this, man has forgotten that his true wealth…his real coinage…is not in his wallet , but , in his behaviour. Are we mindful of our behaviour with others ? Do we behave in a manner that is atrocious and far from pleasant but simply don’t care about it?”

” If we truly want to leave behind a legacy ; if we truly wish to be remembered fondly by others, then we must leave behind a treasure trove of fond memories with people so that, when people think of us they remember us with respect, affection and warmth. Only then can one speak of a life well-lived.”

” ‘मधुर व्यवहार’ or ‘good behaviour’ can be termed to be ‘good’ only when it covers all the people with whom we interact.
Snarling at a telecaller who might have woken us up on a Sunday afternoon, but , sweet-talking a potential client or a person with whom we have a hidden agenda, is not good behaviour.”

” Like the Sun that gives its warmth to all during the winters , or , the breeze that brings equal respite to all in the summers, we, too must behave just as cordially and properly with each and everyone from various walks of life. Kind acts, respectful tones, proper language are not tokens to be traded for favours , but , rather are the correct way for us to treat the world around us.”

” Even in situations that justify anger, words that are spoken and actions that are made or taken, should not be targeted from the point of view of hurting the other person, but, rather to make him or her realise their mistake.”

” Good behaviour is nothing but good ‘karma’ and even in the most trying situations, it must not be given up. Even after having suffered because of Ravan’s misadventures, Lord Ram treated Ravan fairly. He not only gave Ravan multiple chances to repent and avoid waging a war ; but even at the time of Ravan’s death, Shri Ram gave him the respect and reverence of both – a King and a learned man. Similarly, when Shri Ram was ordered to leave for exile by Kaikeyi, He still respected her as a mother and uttered not a word against her.”

” Thus, if God in His ‘human’ form suffered like we humans do, and , yet never cast aside good behaviour, etiquette ; then, why should we and who are we to do so ! “

” We need to remember –
‘ मिट्टी का गीलापन जिस तरह से पेड़ की जड़ को पकड़कर रखता है , ठीक वैसे ही मनुष्य का मधुर व्यवहार भी रिश्तों को बांध कर रखता है l ‘ “

Swami ji said …

” ‘How is that person doing better than me? Why did he get that promotion? Where did I go wrong in managing my finances? ‘ – are some of the questions that haunt us, make us toss and turn, as they plague our ‘mind’, night and day. The human mind – touched, created and gifted by God- should have retained the qualities of happiness, bliss and contentment – that ‘He’ had gifted it with. ‘He’ must have been convinced that the mind blessed by Him would always be at peace – with itself and with the happenings around it, but, unfortunately each one of us had a ‘mind’ of our own and begged to differ from God’s plan. The mind was meant to love, to care, to empathise, to create, but, we, being the way we are refused to accept the mind in its existential state, and, behaved in a manner which was a far cry from what was expected of us.”

“We refused to allow our minds to rest and relax in the cradle of calmness, love, compassion, care, empathy and other beautiful, pure and positive emotions that God had placed it in; and, instead, turned it into a boiling cauldron of envy, rage, restlessness and allowed it to run amok in a thousand directions at the same time.”

” We pay the price for this monumental mistake on a daily basis as our mind seems to draw some morbid pleasure by behaving in a manner that is poles apart from its inherent nature – by making us lose our peace of mind. ‘Peace of mind’ – which cannot be bought at any price , and , yet the easiest thing to lose. Just about anyone and anything can cause a flurry of turbulent emotions to rise in our mind and disrupt its peace.The worst part is that we surrender to the onslaught of these unwarranted emotions that cause unrest and turbulence in our mind.”

” The mind would love to function in a simple, uncomplicated manner, but, we have fine tuned our ‘mind’ to run on a frequency that is complex and greatly disturbing ; in which it loves to ‘fret’ about the future ; ‘fears’ the unknown and is ‘filled’ with ‘anxiety’ and ‘stress’ about the present. It only sees problems around it and tires itself by pondering over them incessantly, so much so, that it is unable to find a solution to these problems. Gradually it begins to lose confidence in its ability to deal with various day to day issues, which results in losing its most precious quality – that of being at peace, tranquil and serene – a quality which is priceless.”

” Why does the mind persist in stirring the dust from issues that should be long forgotten, done with and dusted is known only to it ! Our aim should be to ‘seek’ and ‘see’ a moment, frozen in time; when all is calm and peaceful within us…in our mind. Remember , the ‘Truth’ can be heard only in a peaceful, well rested mind.”

“A meditative mind, untouched by bias and impure thoughts, alone can understand the true role that God has planned for it in a particular lifetime. We need to keep our mind happy, healthy and at peace by understanding that irrespective of what ‘it’ wants, ‘it’ will get only that what God wills to give ‘it’. All the time that is wasted in harbouring negativity, hatred and jealousy in our mind will only make it unhealthy. Remember, we can’t live with hate in our mind. Hate harms us, devours us. Rather, let the mind enrich itself with knowledge from the ‘Holy scriptures’ and bloom with love, gratitude and positivity that will help it attain peace and lead us to live a disciplined, purposeful life.”

Swamiji said …

“Do we take the moments of ‘life’ that we are blessed with for granted, without valuing them the way they should be ? Do we realise how fortunate we are to be alive, to breathe for that every precious second of the lifetime that we are granted by Him ? Has the hectic pace of today’s demanding life, which makes us run from pillar to post, to fulfil the obligations that we have drawn, as the larger picture for ourselves, to remain in a celebratory mode, is preventing us from seeing the beauty of the miracle called – ‘life’. We plan and wait impatiently to celebrate birthdays, festivals promotions, anniversaries, but, in this long wait to celebrate specific dates and occasions, have we forgotten to celebrate – the value and significance of every second, minute, hour and day, which once lived by us, will never be seen and breathed again by us… ‘Humari zindagi, humara jivan ek maha utsav hai, jis ke har kshann ka humein ‘bhavya jashn’ manana chahiye !’ – in a state of thankfulness and gratitude to God.”

” Remember – ‘Life’ is God’s greatest gift to us and, thus, it would be wrong on our part to waste it away in worry and despair. We simply have to, must endeavour to find a reason to smile and laugh often. After all, happiness is not contingent on one’s achievements ; rather, it is a state of being. If one truly begins to seek joy in nooks and corners, in small happenings of life, one wouldn’t need to look far; as, believe me joy will find us. But, if we make the mistake of pinning happiness with the fruition of only our major endeavours and achievements, then it is possible, some of us , might have to wait an entire lifetime to celebrate that hoped for successful moment. The true value, love, positivity and gratitude that we hold for life is recognised by ‘it’ and ‘it’ too responds in a manner most benign. After all, the Moon stays bright when it doesn’t avoid the night ! Doesn’t it !”

” Emulating this quality from the moon, why can’t we celebrate life the way it is served to us – sweet or sour, dark or bright? If life can be a buoyant ride, replete with triumphs and trophies – then, it has an equal right to ‘balance’ us – by creating an occasional speed breaker, packed with trials, turmoil and tribulations! All the accolades and appraisals are celebrated with gusto, but, why are we in comparison, so greatly affected by fears, anxiety, grief, heart break that we easily allow permanent furrows of worry to settle on our face, so much so, that even a distant, faint glimmer of hope, refuses to bring a smile and glow of happiness on our face. None of us know what awaits us the very next moment, so, live the present moment as if it were your last.”

” Never forget that it is the small things in life that give us the greatest pleasure. Simple things that do not cost us anything.The delight on seeing a flower bloom is incalculable. The fragrance of the soil of Mother Earth when its thirst is quenched by the first shower of the monsoon is incomparable. The list is endless. And, the happiness derived is divine.Why then do we think that we are allowed ‘happiness’ and a reason to celebrate only when we ‘achieve’ something grand ? Will we spend the rest of the time stressed about hitting the next target ? Some might even question – ‘What is there to celebrate ?’- as life defined by them is an incessant uphill struggle. Right from our birth, they say, our struggle begins. As newborns, we gasp for air as we come into this world, learning to breathe. In childhood, we repeatedly fall before learning to walk. And, once we learn to walk, we are constantly moving at a hectic pace – school, college, career, family…. never-ending societal obligations and pressures to be successful in these various spheres of life.”

“While there is nothing wrong in being ambitious and hard-working, the journey of life is not meant to be one akin to that of a weary and thirsty traveller, in a desert, who finds some solace only at the occasional oasis. The journey enroute should also be enjoyed.
Celebrate life. Give it a meaning, a direction. Live life to the fullest as this is the only one we have.”