Dedicated to Swamiji Ajay Jain ji

Swami ji said…

‘Money. Wealth. Property.’ The mere thought of the tinkle of coins , the feel of crisp notes in our hands, a plush home, a few acres of land here and there – and we sigh in contentment – as though assuring ourselves – that once we’ve finally acquired all of these – that are coveted by all – we will then be well set on our path of ‘discovering’ happiness.The myth that money can buy us happiness – ‘external’ happiness – which is only temporary, fleeting – as ‘happiness’ today is associated with material comforts , privilege and power – which once again are all transient in nature. We have developed a kind of a firm belief that – ” हमें सुख तब ही मिलेगा, जब धन हमारे घर में आएगा…” The ironical part is that man – who describes himself as the most intelligent creation of God – refuses to see beyond the glitter of money – and ignores the voice that reminds him to be sensible as there is no guarantee ; no written law which states – that money can and will bring him everlasting happiness.

Can any one of us guarantee that our health will remain perfect – once extra money makes its entry into our homes? Will the much desired increment in our pay package – keep us happy and stress- free, even, if, we are to burn the midnight oil day in and day out – unable to spend time with our family and friends? Won’t we become moody, ill – tempered – running to keep pace with the new demand from life ? ” क्या धन की प्राप्ति कभी भी, किसी भी तरह से दुख या तकलीफ़ को हमारे पास नहीं आने देगी?” Will suffering, grief or sorrow never knock on our gilded doors – on seeing wealth guard our main portals ? So besotted are we with the envisaged happiness of a wealthy, moneyed future – that we fail to see all the goodness that prevails in our present circumstances.In a stubborn way – we refuse to see anything good in our life that we are living in the present time – as we have already pinned our hopes on money to bring – सुखी समय – alongwith it in the future. “पैसे की चमक – धमाक में हम ये तक भूल जाते हैं कि ‘धर्म’ के जिस मार्ग पर हम आज चल रहे हैं – क्या हम कल उस पर चल पाएंगे भी या नहीं ? इस बात में कोई संदेह नहीं है कि जब हम ‘धर्म’ के पथ पर चलेंगे, जीवन ‘धर्म’ के अनुरूप बिताएंगे – तब ही हमारा जीवन सुखमय बनेगा…”

We need to be aware that greed and hunger for ‘money’ – not only corrupts the ‘mind’ – but also the ‘soul’. Their evil influence – not only blinds us to reason – but it also has the power to take away our ability to discern the difference between righteousness and wickedness ; prevents us from doing good ‘कर्म’ – and instead encourages us to indulge deliberately in bad ‘कर्म’ – from which there is no escape when we are in a rush to make some quick money. And why do we do this ? Only because we have made the foolish mistake of relating happiness with money.

Today if we were asked to make a choice between – ” जीवन भर ‘धर्म’ के रास्ते पर चलने के लिए या किसी भी तरह ‘धनी’ होने के लिए – तो हम क्या जवाब देंगे?” Most probably, we might opt to be the latter – as on seeing the fate of many who refused to ‘change’ with ‘changing’ times -” jinhone ‘dharm’ ke path par hi chalna chaha”- we feel it would not turn out to be profitable to emulate them. ” What did they achieve by remaining steadfast to their values and principles ? They have nothing today !” – is what we could say while evaluating them. But on seeing how prosperous are all those who had surrendered to the splendour of ‘धन’ – we somehow feel that it would be beneficial to follow them – who seem to form the majority today.

Would it be possible for a spiritual seeker to focus on his goal to merge with God – if his mind drifts constantly towards matters related to accumulation of wealth and assets ? Certainly not. Once he understands that his greatest assets are his mental strength and physical preparedness – which will enable him to to follow the path of righteousness – no amount of money can ever make him part with the bliss, peace and divine joy that he experiences by following his chosen path – from which he does not intend to deviate.

Swami ji said …

There are many among us who have, unfortunately, for some reason or another, witnessed their plans and dreams drift away into thin air. Desires vanquished – just when they were on the verge of realising fulfilment. We all, in some way or another, have felt a sense of anguish on seeing our life fall apart. We have gone through bouts of melancholy on suffering setbacks and faced the darkness of gloom that descends, refusing to let any ray of light and hope get through to us. We become just a shadow of who we once were. The extra baggage of hopelessness and dejection that we carry with us not only eats into us, but, is visible and palpable to all – although we might not be aware of it. We somehow feel that by projecting a false, superficial face of happiness to others – people are not able to detect that something is amiss and that all is not well at our end. We fail to realise that while making a herculean effort of ‘pretending’ to be happy and alright – we try a bit too hard and that extra effort is not missed by others.

On seeing us looking thoroughly uninspired, lacklustre and crestfallen – others known to us and at times unknown people too – give us their advice; share their personal experiences of loss and gain. They share how they overcame hardships and suggest ways and means of getting ‘help’ from ‘outside’ sources. Many might even tell us to – “Stay motivated! Stay inspired!”

But, we once again return to the point in consideration – what is ‘that’ one thing that can make us feel strong and confident and say – “Yes , I can do it! Things will be perfectly fine once again! I have to regain my confidence!” Nothing and no one else can make us feel recharged and rejuvenated unless and until – ‘we’ – ourselves take it upon ourselves to feel so, say words to this effect repeatedly, and, see magic and miracles unravel before ourselves.

There is no disputing the fact that it is essential to read inspiring stories and know about inspirational personalities, in order to implement all that we learn from these – during sudden, unexpected developments in our life. ” हम अपने आप को प्रेरित रखने के लिए हर जगह देखते हैं… बस अपने भीतर नहीं देखते हैं…” Our biggest loss is our inability to see that it is nowhere else, but, in our mind that we win or lose…” अगर हमें कोई वास्तव में प्रेरित कर सकता है – तो वो सिर्फ हमारे अपने, खुद के विचार होते हैं…”

We need to understand that half the battle is won in our mind – and if we succeed in making up our mind and let positivity rule there – nothing remains ‘impossible’ from then onwards. But, rather than steadying and strengthening our mind with an iron resolve – we are more than happy to go to counsellors and therapists – completely forgetting that it is our ‘own’ thoughts – which can work wonders – in energising and galvanizing us.There is no doubt that medical or professional help could be needed in extreme cases – but , many a times, the cure can be found by us – as it is within ourselves. We just need to drown out all the external disturbing , distorting sounds that do not let us hear clearly the messages that our inner being tries to transmit to us. Once we fine tune – the message is as clear as crystal to us.

Can we relate with the elation and exhilaration of those of us who are successful in understanding that the greatest source of motivation – apart from God’s Grace and the ‘gyan’ imparted to us by a self – realised ‘guru’ – are our own thoughts ? Thoughts that encourage us and spur us – to have faith in ourselves and which lead us to believe that we are capable of doing anything and everything – irrespective of where life takes us. Why do we allow anyone else to play the role of a ‘motivator’ in our life – when we ourselves – each one of us – can be our own motivator ? Shouldn’t this privilege exclusively be ours?

Did Shri Ram bemoan His fate and curse His destiny on being exiled to the forest for fourteen long years ? Did He lose composure and seek motivation from an external source ? No. His thoughts – which were always pure and well – intentioned – detached themselves from the kingly duties that He was about to take over – to those of one who had been banished from His kingdom – with the same sense of readiness and acceptance. He saw no difference in living a life as a king – as desired by His father – or living a life in acute hardships , filled with challenges in the forest – as commanded by His stepmother. Is it possible for us to attain this level of equanimity – ever ?

Swami ji said …

“ज़िंदगी में इतने उतार- चढ़ाव क्यों हैं ?” “ज़िन्दगी- मुझे अब और क्या दिखाएगी ? “मेरी ज़िंदगी में यह क्या हो रहा है?” – are some of the questions put up by many of us to ‘life’ – no matter how old or young we could be. We never stop questioning ‘life’, holding it accountable for the ‘bad’ that is happening in our life and labelling
‘ज़िन्दगी’ as ‘अच्छी’ या ‘बुरी’. Good or bad.

How convenient it is for us to do that! Since we are so efficient at making someone else a scapegoat – it is the turn of poor, hapless ‘life’ – to bear the brunt of our wrong, incorrect choices – when we indulge ourselves by doing what makes us feel ‘happy’ – without giving much thought to the consequences of our actions – and later on, on seeing an untoward outcome – we counter attack ‘ज़िन्दगी’ and declare that – ‘ मेरी जिंदगी बहुत ‘बुरी’ चल रही है …”

Somehow, in a strange way, we tend to bypass the main issue – that we are only blessed with ‘life’ … ” हमें जीने का एक मौक़ा दिया जाता है …” We are provided with a golden opportunity to live a ‘life’. Life doesn’t come to us as good or bad. It is ‘we’ – each one of us – who make it either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ – by living and leading a life that makes it either of the two.The inclination and responsibility of living a worthy or unworthy life rests completely with us. But, rather, than being answerable for our ‘bad’ options – we find it easier to play a blame – game with life.

If we were asked today – ” तुम बड़ा आदमी बन ना चाहोगे या अच्छा आदमी ” – what would our honest answer be ? Our chorus in unison could be – ‘बड़ा आदमी’ – as, so greatly enamoured are we at the very thought of being a moneyed , powerful and influential individual. Maybe, we wrongly feel, that leading a life focussing entirely on creation of wealth and assets is more beneficial – than standing firmly by the values of honesty and goodness that had been our pillars in the past.There is no doubt in the fact that it is essential to do well in life ; to achieve what has been achieved by very few – but, if, we attain our dreams at the cost of giving up our scruples and values – then it is time for us to give importance to the essence of nurturing – ‘अच्छाई ‘ in us – the ‘goodness’ which we have allowed to drift away in the deluge of the greed of materialism. A balance has to be maintained to not let the ‘good’ in us be swept out by the ‘bad’. Let us not forget that it is good to rise in life, but, it is always better to be a good human being.

Similarly, again, don’t we have a choice when it comes to choosing friends and others with whom we want to maintain proximity ?
‘अच्छी’ संगत में रहने से और अच्छे लोगों से मिलने जुलने से हम हमेशा अच्छी आदतें , अच्छे संस्कार और अच्छे विचार रखेंगे …” But, then, again – this is a personal choice and those looking for excitement and adventure might find ‘good’ company boring and unfashionable. In a rush to be ‘known’ by others we are willing to compromise on anything and everything – in order to be accepted by them. Can we really retain goodness unless we exercise some self – restraint on ourselves ? The element of goodness in us can be wiped out within a fraction of a second – if we are willing to submit to the power of ‘bad’.

Don’t we meet people who smartly suggest a way out of a tricky situation in which we find ourselves – by telling us – “तुम ऐसे बोल देना … झूठ है तो क्या हुआ…बच जाओगे ?” – and we obediently follow the direction shown by them – forsaking the path of honesty – just that once – we promise
ourselves, but , find it very difficult to get back onto the path of honesty after doing so – as dishonesty makes us lose our way very quickly.

” हमें यह याद रखना चाहिए कि अपनी ज़िंदगी को अच्छा या बुरा बनाना सिर्फ़ हम पर निर्भर करता है … हम इस के लिए किसी और को दोषी नहीं ठहरा सकते हैं… हमें हमेशा अपनी ज़िंदगी को अच्छा बनाने की कोशिश करनी चाहिए…”

Swami ji said…

Time is all knowing. It knows of all that has taken place in the life of each one of us. Nothing escapes the watchful eye of ‘time’ – the only true, yet, silent witness to our pleasures and pain; our regrets and moments of applause; our hopes and the sadness felt on facing rejection. It rejoices with us in our good times and tries to comfort us when we are inconsolable ;
provides us with solutions during the duress of dilemma. And, when sorrow settles in, it offers a gentle hand to help us through. In times of uncertainty, it whispers its wisdom – offering us clarity when all seems lost. And later rewards our patience and perseverance Through it all, time remains with us – an unchanging friend, walking by our side – from the moment of our birth to our last breath.

Is it not prudent then, to recognize the many faces of time? One moment it surprises us, lifting us on the wings of joy, and, the next, it leaves us shell-shocked in sorrow and pain. Yet, in all its moods, time teaches us resilience. It shows us that on days when we falter, we can rise again the next day – braver, stronger, determined. It reminds us that even when the skies are gray and our hearts are heavy with doubt, we carry within us the seed of hope, ready to bloom when the clouds part.

It pats us proudly on our back when we bask in the glow of success; and, holds our back to prevent us from taking a fall in distress and despair. Time – as we all know – waits for no man; but, at the same time, it is forgiving and is willing to give us fresh opportunities – to learn from our mistakes; make a sincere, honest effort not to repeat them; improve ourselves and become better than we were before. Is there any point in living a life, year after year, without being an honest critique of ourselves ? Will we keep on accepting our flaws and shortcomings, and, make no attempt whatsoever to work on them – and emerge as a more evolved person?

We have often heard our elders say – ‘समय’ के साथ सब ठीक हो जाता है, अच्छा हो जाता है …” But, what we need to remember is that – “परन्तु ऐसा होने के लिए हमें मेहनत करनी होगी, सुधरना होगा…”And, needless to say, time, with its infinite patience, would be proud to see us strive, not for perfection, but, for progress – slow, steady, and sure. It asks only that – we make the effort to make amends – in a way that would make us a worthier, nobler person.

Time, of course, is a great teacher. A spiritual teacher. Why does it take us through the extremes of good and bad repeatedly like the seasons that come and go? Why does it expose us repeatedly to the crests and troughs of fortune? It does so, so that we recognise and accept this uncertainty of life, and, realise that through all this there is God that is constant. That is what time really tries to teach us. Once we see how unpredictable life is, we start focussing and looking for that which is constant. We begin to seek the ability to remain undisturbed by the turning tides of time. Of course, the only answer to this is God’s Grace. Those who have it, see good and bad times as what it is – time and just time – passing by.

Everything is temporary and bound to pass. Nothing in this world is constant – that is what time teaches us. It is thus nudging us to reflect and recognise the world we are ‘in’ and look ‘beyond’ – at our final destination.

Swami ji said…

We dream. All of us do that. Don’t we ? Dream of a life that has a fairy – tale like beginning and a perfect ending. But, on a reflective note – is it really possible for us to live a life that can in any way be close to a perfect dream – magical , a smooth sail – where we don’t hit any rough patch ? Well, if, any of us find ourselves entertaining such fanciful , utopian thoughts – then we certainly are living in fool’s paradise – because no one, none of us – can live a life that is untouched by obstacles, hindrances and challenges… ” Humare jivan mein चुनौतियाँ zaroor aaengi – aur woh kisi bhi kshann humare saamne aa sakti hain…” It is just that we somehow feel that – ‘चुनौतियाँ’ हमारे अच्छे खासे चलते हुए जीवन में रुकावट बन के नहीं आएंगी…’
We can only wish and hope for this – as the privilege of what is going to happen with us ; to us – is known to ‘life’ alone.

But, one thing that we must understand is that challenges play an integral part in the game of life. We could be the richest or the poorest individual in the world ; but , adversities and difficult times – do not differentiate between status and rank and will most definitely come looking for us – the manner in which and when they are supposed to come. Although challenges arrive quietly and soundlessly – they leave behind echoes – that are deafening – for those who face their wrath and anger.

” ‘चुनौतियाँ’ हमारे जीवन मैं हमेशा आती हैं और ज़रूर आएंगी…”
We cannot run away from the reality of this bitter truth. We can only wish them away – but , arrive they will at their will – and it is when they punch us and jab us – that we too should gather the courage, the strength and the faith – that will most certainly be needed by us – to meet and overcome the challenge with grit , determination and confidence.
” चुनौतियाँ का सामना करने के लिए उनसे संघर्ष करने के लिए हमे हमेशा तैयार रहना चाहिए …”

But, a life that revolves completely around material pursuits – could receive a jolt , a shock – on seeing a setback coming its way. We should be ashamed of ourselves, if , we only wish for a life that is replete with enjoyment and luxury ! Inspite of possessing the best that one could ever dream of owning – our fickle mind could still make us long for more. Just for a second let us try to visualise – how greedy and grasping we sound – praying to God to give us ‘more’ and ‘more’ all the time ; not once expressing our contentment by saying that – ‘He’ has given us ‘enough’ – infact – ‘more’ than enough.What is our reaction ; our response – when the very comfortable life that we have been leading – surrounded by pleasures and comforts galore – is abruptly checked by a life altering development – in the form of an unanticipated challenge.

And, at , the first sight
of a disconcerting development ; an unthinkable challenge – in the distant horizon – we just freeze and get into a mode of outright submission and surrender. The thought of putting up a fight is the last thing on our mind – and we accept defeat immediately – and without even trying we say – ” मुझ में संघर्ष करने की ताकत नहीं है…इस चुनौती से लड़ने के लिए मुझ में हिम्मत नहीं है…”

Do we believe in the words of the prayer that are said by us – when we invoke God to give us the strength to face blows which unexpectedly land on us ? Why do we find it so difficult to understand that if we can enjoy the pleasures of life – then why do we question the pain that we have to endure, suffer?
‘ सुख के समय हम ख़ुशी में इतना खो जाते हैं – कि हम सुख से कोई सवाल ही नहीं करते हैं? मगर मुश्किल समय में, ‘चुनौतियाँ के सामने…” – we are filled with agony – and question ‘it’ – as to why did it befall us ? Why is there such a difference in our attitude during moments of ecstasy and agony ? Why do we break under the assumed weight of difficulties so easily ? We’ve been always told that every problem has a solution and thus , we , too, will find ways of overcoming the challenge – once we set our mind on doing so.

We need to remind ourselves that rather than pitying ourselves ; cursing our luck and looking at every unwanted development with suspicion ; as a foe , an enemy and giving up without a fight – let us instead focus on the positives that we are able to build within us ; draw from our inner most being.The spirit of not giving up ; rising to meet the challenge with the attitude of a winner and a mind set on being victorious – is what we build within ourselves – while facing challenges – bravely … ” हम इतने कमज़ोर तो नहीं बन सकते हैं कि जो चुनोती हमारे सामने आई है हम उसका सामना करने की कोशिश भी नहीं करें…हमारी लड़ने की ताकत कहां चली गयी?’

Planning , preparing and strategising to overcome difficulties and challenges make life interesting and exciting too – to a certain extent – as we come to know so much more about ourselves. The traits, capabilities and strength that were inherently within us – but , which were previously unknown to us – are now revealed to us and we start using them to our advantage. Could any learning be greater than this ?

Nothing could be worse than just giving up and submitting to the overwhelming situation that we find ourselves in – as that is not what God and our ‘guru’ would expect from us. ” याद रखो – हम में से जो चुनौतियों के बारे में सोच कर ही घबरा जाते हैं, वह आगे कभी कुछ नहीं कर पाएंगे…”