Lokakshemam

Stellar Inspiration

2011-04-29T21:51:00.016-05:00

The sun shines each day,
as wavery clouds try to mask;
could they really hide we say -
The glorious radiant disc.

Beautiful night, stars alit,
Many a folk fast asleep;
Could this really limit?
The stellar glow even a bit.

Lone leader stand tall, stay firm,
Never mind the tomatoes;
The truth will give you the calm -
To stay your course through the storm!

Dharma

2010-06-26T17:51:00.007-05:00

The Sanskrit word "Dharma" stands for "that which upholds". Simply speaking if one upholds Dharma, then Dharma will uphold them. The word Dharma has other meanings such as Law and Responsibility but the core meaning (based on the root "Dhru" meaning "Hold") is "that which upholds".

An amusing fable to drive home the point: A woodcutter was sitting on the branch of a tree and cutting it. He used a very good axe and did a great job cutting the wood. He focused really hard on his job and was confident he would succeed in his act of cutting the wood. He was successful in this short term act, but as you might have guessed he fell down because he cut the very branch on which he was sitting on.

"Beneficial to most", largely beneficial or for greater good is also Dharma. Almost every activity has some negativity associated with it. That which benefits the most is Dharma.

If one were to contemplate and reflect deeply on any action, the light of "Dharma" will shine at them. Dharma is that which is naturally right. In all actions, reflect on what is "Dharma".

When seeking material wealth: One should seek wealth in order to sustain oneself but one should always make sure that Dharma is adhered to (for e.g. does it benefit the most and is for the greater good?). In other words, put first things first... if what you are doing does not uphold Dharma, then avoid it even if it promises great wealth. Wealth that is earned by following what is naturally right is long lasting.

This is the wisdom of the ages - perhaps forgotten in the din of daily life but something to remember time and again!

Freedom for the Pigeons

2010-03-16T19:13:00.017-05:00

One more old story comes to mind. Another story that has been talked about by many and probably heard by millions but in the din of daily life it hides in a corner of the mind! When time for action comes, it is not a bad idea to remember these stories...

So here goes....

Away in a forest lived a large group of pigeons. As pigeons might very well have, they had a king. The king was just, wise and helped the pigeons live a peaceful life. It was a routine for the pigeons to forage the forest floor for food and on occasion fly over a village to a near by woods in search of food. Especially on days when their home location did not yield much food.

On one such occasion the flock set out in search of food. As they were flapping away over the village they noticed sparks of rice glittering on the floor of a field. Lots of it too! Instintively and due to a drive by hunger they started swooping down to catch a few mouthfuls.

"Wait!", said the King. "It looks like a setup! Let's not go there!".

"But we are hungry! Besides we need fly several miles before we go the woods and we are not assured of a meal there either!", groaned a few hungry pigeons.

"Sometimes when it looks like an easy meal is waiting for us, someone else might be waiting to make an easy meal of us... listen to me. I am your king, I care about you. Do not fall for this!".

Hunger and the apparent easy meal right before them and the familiarity with the king perhaps made the pigeons lose their mind. Unmindful of the good advice and not watchful of perhaps a small voice inside - they slowly and then in an accelerated fashion, swooped down and started pecking fast at the glistening beads of rice! They had their fill with the king hovering above helplessly watching his friends satisfy their hunger!

As the pigeons moved about near their landing areas they started feeling a tug, a gentle pull at first that soon tangled their tiny legs in a vice like grip... too late! Heavy with food in their bellies, the rush of earlier excitement now became screeches and screams of dispair!

"Oh my!", they cried. "We are stuck in a net! We are done for! We should have listened to the wise king!"

The king said, "Friends! Even after my repeated warnings you did not listen to me! I had only your good in mind! Now you are close to being captured by the hunters who probably laid this net knowing we will pass through some day!"

"Do not dispair, I have an idea.", so saying the king jumped into the field and got himself entangled too! "I am your king, and I have entered the net so I can help you get away! I did not notice any hunters when I circled up in the sky earlier - they are probably sleeping off the hot sun!"

"Do as I say and please listen to me! I still think we can get free from this menace on our feet!"

"I want each of you to point to the north" - they did as told, now realizing that questioning such an order at this point was futile. What did they have to lose, did the king not enter the net and entangle himself. They were elated to have a chief who would risk his life to protect them... mechanically and almost as if on a machine they all turned facing north.

"Good! now flap your wings hard... and raise together. We need to all fly together in the same direction - first up and then north. If we do this, we can lift this net up... let's do it.", said the king.

Once more the hitherto scared pigions woke up, their impending freedom motivating them. Together they flapped their now energized wings, together they rose and lo and behold! The net rose too... just as the sleeping hunters roused looking at an apparent flying net with a flock of birds.

Dreamily they eyed the spectacle and having realized it was a real escape they jumped up picking up their sticks and made a dash towards the now steadily rising birds. Thanks to their leader's guidance and their following in unison the pigeons were now well above the ground and they started flying away towards north... knowing their king will take them to a safe place, perhaps a place where their fetters would be cut but for now full of energy and faith - they flew towards north!
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Note: In the original Pancha Tantra tales (Origin - India), the pigeon king proceeds to the hole of his friend who happended to be a rat. The rat and his cohorts cut the net loose.

Perhaps the spirit behind this metaphorical story can be applied to any situation, when leaders raise to the occasion to help their fellow beings!

Alternately, there are many thoughts pulling us in many directions, sometimes these lead us astray. But we have the intellect to free ourselves and apply our selves in any situation to take the "right" decision and go in the "right" direction. Thus one can raise one-self!

Thanks Giving

2010-01-17T20:25:00.005-06:00

The spirit of giving thanks is important.

The external actions of thanks giving might be many - as seen by many types of celebrations and rituals.

What is really aspired for is an attitude of gratitude! Even if a person might not participate in external acts/ rituals, when the attitude of gratitude percolates through one's life, it makes every day a day to rejoice and be thankful for, and every act is an act of thankfulness!

The Middle Path

2009-12-06T20:04:00.005-06:00

In your actions in life take the middle path,
Avoid extremes.

When you see and talk to someone,
Realize their words are but tips of an iceberg -
So never judge anyone.

In your reasonings and contemplations,
Realize that this is a world of diversity;
There are many paths to the same destination.
Just like in a buffet many types of food are there,
and many eat these in many ways
and all of them are satiated sometime or the other;
So the supreme is experienced -
Differently by different living beings!

Truth vs. Tradition

2009-06-21T22:52:00.007-05:00

In any contest between truth and tradition, truth should prevail.

Credit: This is a note from a new translation of the Bhagavadgita; posted with permission of the author.

Guru

2009-06-20T01:17:00.026-05:00

Credit: This article is based on an earlier posting by my Guru. With his permission, I am republishing it with some additional comments.

Guru has multiple meanings which include teacher, father, elder brother, heavy, big, strong, tough, famous, hard to digest etc. The one most relevant to this article is that derived from Gu and Ru; Gu means darkness or ignorance and ru means dispeller or remover. Thus Guru literally means remover of ignorance. Gurus can be male or female, old or young, and come from all backgrounds. The Guru can be an event, a book, an observation etc; an animate being, or an inanimate object that symbolizes a learning.

Do we absolutely need to have a Guru? It is possible to reach the goal in our spiritual journey without the aid of a Guru. However, it is a lot easier with the guidance of a Guru. Incidentally, when the student is ready, the Guru appears!

The Guru-disciple (Shishya) relationship is perhaps the most sacred relationship in the Hindu tradition. Right from the Vedas (Acharya Devo Bhava - Teacher is like God) to the colloquial way the youngsters address their friends across India (Khya Guru, Yenu Guru, Yenna Vaadhyare, etc.) imply how deeply the word Guru has percolated into contemporary times. A special day "Guru Poornima" is dedicated during July-August months to pay respect to Guru.

We may argue that in the ancient times there was no internet or press or phone or radio or television and the only means of communication was through word of mouth and thus the Guru-shishya tradition started. Why has it sustained right to this day?

The reason for this is that the role of Guru is more than just communication of information. The ten-fold qualities of a Guru are as follows:

1. Guru is true, simple, and direct.
2. Guru does not steal our money, instead steals only our ignorance and anxiety.
3. Guru can lead us to a spiritual path without severe asceticism.
4. Guru brings peace of a cave and the experience of solitude right to our houses.
5. Guru lets us see heights of the Himalayas and Kailash in meditation (metaphorically speaking).
6. Guru does not give us wrong advice to renounce our property and wealth of this world, instead makes us renounce our ego.
7. Guru breaths in a divine factor and help us to transform our mundane life into a sacred existence.
8. Guru bestows a new life in which we can face all sorrows cheerfully.
9. Guru strives to make us attain perfection in this very world.
10. With the guidance of a Guru, we will be able to see this world as heaven and not as a place of sorrow and suffering.

A Guru will wake us up and may even walk with us side by side, but no Guru will carry us and deliver us to the truth. That we have to do ourselves, as declared in the Bhagavadgita (Chapter 6, verse 5) thus:

BG 6.5 One should elevate oneself by one’s own efforts;
one should not degrade oneself;
indeed the self alone is one’s true friend or enemy.

Thus, the Guru is right within us as well! Patiently waiting for us to turn inward!

Guru Mantra from Guru Gita:
The Guru is Brahma; the Guru is Vishnu;
the Guru is the great God Shiva.
The Guru alone is the supreme Brahman, the absolute.
To the great Guru, I offer my salutations.

Another relevant verse from the Bhagavadgita (Chapter 4, Verse 34):

BG 4.34 You must learn that knowledge from those who have realized the truth.
You should approach them with humility, sincere enquiry, and willingness to serve.
They will impart that knowledge to you.

Light

2009-06-19T23:19:00.002-05:00

The light of knowledge is always present,
the individual has to just turn and look.

Simplicity

2009-06-15T21:58:00.004-05:00

A joke and the truth should never be explained in too much detail!

Perspective

2009-06-13T19:43:00.015-05:00

This story has been narrated before by many. This sometimes is forgotten, it seems... so the desire to write it in a different way.

Four people were called upon to a test by a wise person. The rule of the test was that they will accept to be blindfolded and feel with their hands to make an assessment of what they feel. The four people felt this would be a good adventure and decided to embark on it.

One morning they assembled in the front door of a large hall to which they were called in after being blind folded. A guide walked them to a rather warm area.

"Welcome!", said the wise person. "You may move forward one by one now, when I call you to come forward. You will have one minute to feel what is in front of you, then you will tell me what you think this is."

He called them one by one forward, each were guided in a circumbulatory way by a guide to the spot where they were going to make an assessment.

"This is nothing but a warm, leathery rope!", said one; "I am sure of it!"
"This is a big tree trunk, may be covered with cloth", said the second; "I am pretty sure of this!"
"There is no doubt!", said the third; "This is a wall, more dome like. But a wall, solid wall!"
"No! this is a snake", said the fourth person; "I can feel it hissing and hot air coming here. I can feel it twisting!"

The wise person said, "Thanks to each of you for showing us all a good lesson!", and requested the guide to remove their blind folds.

The four people looked at in astonishment at the being in front of them. The wise person was sitting atop a beautiful elephant! With a leathery tail, tree trunk like legs, wall like body and an ever moving snaky trunk!

"The truth", concluded the wise person; "is probably like this!
Perceived in many ways by many, it has no solitary explanation.
Each sees their own side and each is right in their own way and assure it by their experience, indeed! But all of them know only part of it!
Is there any point in contesting over it?"

Sunshine

2009-06-06T21:41:00.004-05:00

Just like the sun does not pick and choose who to shine on,
The truth is available for all to search for.

Rivers

2009-06-06T21:39:00.003-05:00

Just like many rivers and streams reach the ocean,
many paths are there to reach the same truth.

Seeker's Silence

2009-02-12T21:40:00.004-06:00

The seeker of the truth
Speaking of this and that
Searching for this and that
Speaks no more when the truth shows up

Karma Yoga - Action with detachment

2009-01-05T22:03:00.019-06:00

Credit - The article below is based on reading various translations of the teachings of the Bhagvad Gita esp. a new work in progress translation from someone I know, who added that "yogah karmasu kaushalam" - Doing the best we can with what we have and where we are- after all that is the best any one can do!

Life is a set of actions, some voluntary and some involuntary and internal.
Action is inevitable, giving up action is impossible for our very nature forces us to act.

It is possible to renounce the attachment to the results of the actions. Either by realizing that all actions are due to our connection with material nature or by making all our actions as an offering to God. This is the spirit of Karma yoga - the yoga of renouncing the attachment to the fruit of the actions.

Karma Yoga is not one of defeatism, on the contrary it is one of incessant action where the focus is not distracted by attachment to the results. Where the action is the focus. You should have goals but you need to also realize that the action is in your control where as the results are controlled by many factors. You, the doer are just one of the factors. There are tools and ways the tools are used, there is of course the timing of your action and finally there is a chance factor or providence. All these factors influence the results - hence the need to focus on your action without attachement to the results.

Experiencing the fruit of your action is also unavoidable. There will be good results and sometimes bad results. Savour the good results ... and bear the bad ones with patience.

Strive to be good ... Realize that the universe around you is in perpetual motion...
Perform action while striving to stay detached for lasting peace!

Relevant Gita Verses:

2.47 You have control only over your actions but never over their results. The expected results should not be the motivation for action.
Also, don’t shirk away from your work. One is never in complete control over the outcome of an action. See 18:13-15.
It is pointless to worry about something that we cannot control. Focus on work without fear of failure or greed for success.

2.48 Do your work without getting attached to it; treat success and failure alike. Such equanimity is called yoga. Attachment to work indicates clinging to a possible outcome.

18.13-15 Five factors govern the outcome of all actions as proclaimed in the scriptures.
The situation, the individual, the tools one has, how one uses the tools, and the unknown causes. Whatever one does with his body, speech, or mind, with good or bad intention, the same five factors determine the outcome.
“Unknown causes” imply many events and forces that shape the outcome of our initiatives. We have limited or no control over them, because the “unknown” by virtue of being unknown is untamable. It can positively or negatively impact the out come- we may get lucky or lose out entirely. Because, it is not just us, four other factors determine the outcome.
Thus, the individual does not have control over the outcome.
See 2:47.

Credit for Bhagavadgita translation - Coming soon... The New Bhagavad-Gita: Timeless wisdom in the language of our times by Koti Sreekrishna and Hari Ravikumar is a fresh translation of the Bhagavad-Gita into plain English.

The Ultimate Muse

2008-07-25T23:29:00.009-05:00

I bow down to the truth;
Beyond forms and names,
worshipped through forms and names,
and with no form and no name!

I seek that which is the ultimate muse -
So close yet so far;
Perceived in many ways,
By many great seers everywhere.

Between the brain and the words,
There might be many a gap!
Oh! I wish there was a simple map,
For that will end all fights!

Whether it is a place or state or a stage,
You cannot really define,
But seek you shall in your heart -
This state of bliss.

Ways there are many to seek,
only the seeker will know,
Be pure at heart and you shall see,
this dazzling light of love.

Beyond words, beyond names -
Beyond forms, beyond thoughts;
Beyond everything, but still very close -
is this conscious, bliss of love!

Eternal vs. Ephemeral

2008-06-28T12:54:00.002-05:00

The key to respecting diversity in humanity is for the individual to reflect on what is eternal and what is ephemeral. When you read the multitudes of stories and myths of the past, you might differ with others on your interpretation of the ephemeral aspects but if you reflect deep the eternal aspects will have a much greater degree of correlation.

Focus on the eternal aspects; then loving your fellow being will be easier for you.

Swan

2008-04-28T21:37:00.013-05:00

In ancient Indian myths a mystic swan is mentioned. The swan is called "Hamsa Pakshi" in Sanskrit. When given a bowl of milk and water, the swan is supposed to be able to consume the milk alone and ignore the water.

May be the story of the swan will help us practice being good finders.

The above parable might have been intented to be a guide to living for the individual and should not be taken literally. For one could ask: How can the swan ignore the water; does it eat just the milk powder?

For a spiritual seeker, the parable of a Hamsa is meant to be a guide in the process of realizing the truth; by the process of contemplation on the difference between the eternal and the ephemeral (Nithya anithya vivekam).

The Eternal Path

2008-01-10T21:23:00.009-06:00

Note: This is not my original writing but has been published with permission from the original author.

HINDUISM

H stands for Harmony
Hinduism respects all religions and thus aspires for mutual tolerance and respect.
Hinduism does not encourage hate or distrust.
Hinduism is intolerant of intolerance.
It does not actively seek converts.
It emphasizes conduct and not creed.
It has the capacity to assimilate all the Faiths and the Philosophies.

I for Incarnation (Avataara)
God descends to Earth in any form and under any sky as may be needed to uphold DHARMA (righteousness). There is no space, time, form or numerical limitation to Avataaras.

N for Non-Violence (Ahimsa)
Hinduism recognizes that life supports life. One should avoid causing unnecessary injury (in thoughts, words or deeds) to one-self or other fellow beings including other life forms. Vegetarianism is glorified by some Hindu sects, but never a prerequisite to be a Hindu.

D for Dharma (Righteousness)
We should always protect Dharma (support what is right). This is regarded as a necessity, because Dharma is the basis of harmonious life. If we don't support Dharma, it will be as if chopping the very branches of the tree (of life) we are resting on.

U for Unity of existence
Everything and all beings are inter connected or inter related and are essentially the manifestation or extension of the one Supreme Being. The world is one big family.

I for Inherent Value
The God is Omnipresent & Omnipotent. Both the manifest & the un-manifest are a projection of God. They are supported, directed & controlled by God as well. The God can be worshipped in any 'Form' or 'No Form'. Just as the Flag is a symbol of a Nation, an Idol for the Hindu is symbolic of the God. A Hindu worships the God enshrined in the Idol, not the idol itself.

S for Supreme Reality (Brahman)
Supreme Reality is both formless and with form, impersonal and personal, transcendent and immanent. The Supreme Reality is known by many names.

M for Moksha & Mantra
Dharma (Virtue), Artha (Material prosperity), Kama (pleasures) & Moksha (liberation from cycles of birth & death, harmonious union with God) are the goals of life.
The secondary objectives (Artha & Kama) are sandwiched between the primary objectives of (Dharma & Moksha).
Adherence to one's own inherent talents (attitudes & aptitudes) in achieving these goals is suggested.
Moksha is the ultimate goal of Hindu life.
There are numerous paths and innumerable opportunities.
It can happen by one way or the other and in one life or the other.

The various paths for Moksha include:
Karma Yoga - Selfless good deeds
Gnaana Yoga - Knowledge of Brahman
Bhakti Yoga - Faith or Devotion
Prapatti (sharNaagati) Yoga - Total Surrender
Raaja Yoga - Control of body, mind and intellect
Mantra Yoga - Union with God through repetition of a Mantra, etc.

Mantra is a sacred word or a verse used for prayer. Some examples below:

The most sacred Mantra of Hinduism is AUM/OM. AUM represents our beginning (Spring), being (Summer), passing away (Fall) and immortality (Winter). The A, U and M are followed by silence.

OM iti Brahma, OM iteedam Sarvam (Shiksha Valli, Taittireeya Upanishad )
OM is Brahman, All this is OM (OM is The One - OM is The Many)
(OM is the WOMb of everything)

sarvE bhavantu suKhinah sarvE santu niraamayaah.
May all be happy, may all be healthy

sarvE bhadraaNi pashyantu ma-kashchit dhuhkha-bhaag bhavEt.
May all be prosperous, may none suffer

Om shaantih shaantih shaantihi
Om Peace Peace Peace. Peace in all our 3 realms of existence
(Surroundings, body and mind)

Freedom!

2008-01-07T23:03:00.000-06:00

Real freedom is recognizing that the spirit within is free, eternal, unfettered and blissful. You, the atman (self) is already free and the body is but a vehicle in this lifetime.

Tangents to a circle!

2007-12-10T22:03:00.000-06:00

I keep going to thinking about the circle -
interestingly the only way to enter a circle is a tangent and the only way to exit a circle is also a tangent! Once in a circle, it is impossible to know where one entered it esp. after a few rounds...
It is that tangent all seem to want - ultimately.

Finding the Good in all

2007-11-29T00:23:00.000-06:00

When will we learn to find,
that which is good in all;
In all events and things,
In all beings around.

When will we learn to seek,
and filter out the unpalatable;
To listen to the song behind the words,
A symphony amidst cacophony!

When will one learn to realize,
amidst all chaotic things,
Lies a core of peace, tranquility and bliss,
That only they alone can find

The very reason for this poem,
Is it an attachment to the world,
Or arising out of compassion in detachment!
When will there be peace residing in one and all!

When will people see that criticism is like a spice,
add too much and it spoils the taste.
When indeed will we all find,
The good residing in all!

Courage

2007-08-25T23:34:00.002-05:00

Courage is the ability to speak up when all else is afraid to.
Courage is the willingness to accept one's mistakes.
Courage is not outwardly aggression; it is an inward peace that transcends all possible barriers and results in the right action given the situation.

Root of Solace and Peace

2007-08-15T00:17:00.000-05:00

The solace found in peace is priceless
The peace found in silence is immeasurable!

Hall of Silence

2007-08-14T22:58:00.004-05:00

The sign outside the building read -
"All are welcome"
"Please come empty handed"
"Please leave your footwear outside"
"Please wash your hands"

It was a 20 foot tall single story building... with big windows. Just one big room - lit by the sunshine of the day and by bright lights at night.

Inside there were a few low chairs that one could sit on the ground but lean their backs comfortably.

The person who built the building was usually seen quietly sitting inside...

At the beginning, a few people passed by; then a few entered curiously. They all read the sign and did as told. They all sat down in silence... and silent they were as long as they stayed.

Then many more arrived... all removed their footwear outside, all washed their hands, all came empty handed and all sat in silence.

Not many knew each other here, for none talked here. They nodded may be; a smile once in a while.

At first they came with their thoughts... but inside they found a peace. A tranquility unexplained. So they stayed as long as they could.

The person who built the building was silent too... he did nod when someone came in if he had his eyes open. Most of the time he visited this place, he sat silently; most of the time eyes closed, some times eyes open.

Nobody paced, there were no discussions; no talk about anything as they all kept silent.

Soon more people visited... a couple of gaurds were posted outside. The press came and respectfully checked their cameras outside; they did take a few pictures and videos from outside the door; they did walk around the windows to get more pictures. They asked the person who built the place when he stepped out, "Why did you build this?"

He smiled and said nothing.

"There must be a reason", they persisted... he smiled and said "Nothing really!"

A few weeks passed. "Please limit your stay to 30 minutes a day" a new sign was added!

There were many more who arrived and stayed their 30 minutes. Some who used be constant visitors stopped showing up... they probably found a spot of silence where ever they were from. Some did revisit briefly and went back.

Presidents came along, so did people from all walks of life. The sportsmen, the doctors, the lawyers, the artists, the students, people with many beliefs and philosophies, the theists, atheists and agnostics visited... they all left their footwear outside, came empty handed, washed their hands and stayed silently for 30 minutes.

There was a peace there that some did not feel outside... some felt it outside and inside. Some just came by for no real reason. Some visited late in the evening, some early in the morning, some arrived later in the day... a few even showed up at night.

More press people came there, talk radios talked about this place. This time they requested an interview from the person who started this place. "Why again, please could you tell us?", they asked."What is your purpose? What is your mission?"

He smiled softly and this time he said...

"Not much really!
I fretted and fumed at the beginning when I read a lot about a lot of things... I wanted tolerance, love, peace and happiness all over this world! I wanted to change the world. "

He paused, reflecting for a brief moment;

"... then one day it made sense to be silent. The peace was tremendous and so I felt like building this place.

All are welcome here as long as they do not talk in this hall. No one is required to come here, no one is requested to leave - they seem to respect the 30 minute limit; no one is asked to pay any fees; a donation box outside clearly states any money left will go towards maintaining the Hall of Silence and the associated expenses. I have setup a trust to take care of this and manage the funds...

Not much really!", he repeated.

Years passed, many came, many left, many returned, the person who built this place stopped showing up too! The trust ran the building, collecting the donations (more poured in and a PO BOX had to be setup) and for building a few more Halls of Silence.

Atleast they did in this story... may be there are some out there like this, may be not.
May be we can just find that hall in our mind... may be, may be!

Truth

2007-08-12T22:25:00.000-05:00

There is only one truth
The same truth is described -
in many ways by the knowledgeable!

Note: From the Upanishads

Optimism

2007-08-11T00:41:00.000-05:00

In times when it seems unfair
Remember there is a small voice
A hope that shines behind the confusion
A positive ray of truth

Optimistic is the way
Where one hopes and dreams
And lives a life of cheer
With belief in one's self

All that you need to start
Has been provided to you
Define your success and start
And more help will come along

Today make someone smile
Today make yourself smile
Today change one aspect of your life
For the better

Today look ahead, head straight
Today breathe deeply and relax
Today look inside and see your self
This immense powerful potential

The goals you set might come to fruition
or not
But the will to act is yours
and only in your control

Set your goals
Speak positive
Then set your eyes on the work at hand
Smile and get to work

Sometimes sorrow creeps in,
majestic, deep and touching
And that is OK... and may be uplifting
But learn to move on with faith

Optimism at work
Optmism with your friends
Optimism in your family
Practice this my friend, patiently!

Agreement

2007-08-11T00:03:00.000-05:00

How many people can we say agree 100 percent with each other all the time?
How many people can we say agree with all their statements in their own life all the time?
I hope agreeing on all aspects is not a separating factor...
I hope it unites and shows that people can complement each other;
and may be learn to compliment each other too!!!!

Criticism

2007-07-31T18:14:00.001-05:00

An unjust criticism is a compliment,
A just criticism needs to be heeded.

How do you know if the criticism is just or not?

Listen, do not react, look deep, meditate, think, ponder, wonder and look at it from the other person's side. If needed talk about it to a trusted friend. If the criticism is right, strive to straighten your ways next time.

If the criticism is truly unjust, let go.

Move-on anyway!

There are no perfect human-beings, not that I am aware of... perfection is the goal while trying to reach which you might run into excellence (Vince Lombardi)! That is good, isn't it?

Mentality

2007-07-31T14:17:00.000-05:00

Look around outside at the night sky,
Aren't there thousands of stars and their planets,
Take a whiff of fresh air and think,
Is not energy pulsating all over!
Where from is this scarcity coming from?
Look in your mind...
Any scarcity that is seen is in the mind
A happy being is contented
A contented being is happy
Scarcity is really something that can be overcome
With the power of your mind
It's all a mind set
A delicate balance between reaching out and letting go;
That only you have to decide...
Will you decide?

Purpose

2007-07-30T00:32:00.000-05:00

What is my purpose?
Why am I here?

Contemplation

2007-07-25T22:47:00.000-05:00

You do not have to lead an ideal life to contemplate
You do not need a room to meditate
You do not need to be a saint
You do not need to have given up everything
I have not and nor am I a saint
Contemplation on who you are is your birthright!
Let no-one tell you otherwise.
"Who am I?"
"Whose am I?"
Think such thoughts when the question why comes to you,
it invariably comes to all!

Discovery vs. Invention

2007-07-24T00:20:00.000-05:00

A discovery is used if it is useful;
An invention becomes necessary otherwise!

Can the same not be said to re-discovery?
When you take the pain to re-discover -
may be you should not be hesitant to re-invent!

Elusive Truth

2007-07-22T20:42:00.001-05:00

There is only one truth
All that experienced it experienced the same
All that see it as different see the same
The truth is here and now
Why does it seem so elusive?
Because I am part of it?

Change

2007-07-18T23:06:00.000-05:00

Change is constant... sure yeah! You have heard that before, what is new right!
Think once more, how many of us think that to change is not right?

One says, "My father believed it and I know he loved me so much. So it must be the only way to be"
Another says, "We have done this for 20 years now, and it has worked. Why mess with a wheel that is rolling fine?"

Sure, do not mess with a rolling wheel that seems to work fine. But if you fail to notice that there is a better wheel out there or if you fail to look closely at a small crack in the seemingly well rolling wheel!

So what I am saying is change is a good thing if done judiciously. And sometimes you have go against the grain to change!

If the status quo is all we care about, why do we grow from babies to adults?

There is a balance between being content and being willing to change. I am not really talking about changing your life-style etc. I am talking about reviewing your basic beliefs once in a while via introspection... is it a deep rooted belief that is really based on a sound universal principle?

Boldly look inside... to be ignorant is to be in darkness.
To seek for knowledge might lead you to more darkness; but be patient, the light of truth will shine and dispell this darkness!

Equality

2007-07-17T20:55:00.001-05:00

"Equality" is the basic principle that every person should learn to appreciate in this life.

It is true that people are different. They have different tastes, different aptitudes, different interests, different ideas and different attitudes; may be even different levels of skill in a particular topic or different talents. Infact, identical twins have been said to be different in some way!

Nevertheless, the basic human principle is that every person in this world deserves equal opportunity to become what they want to be.

When more people understand this simple truth; love will abound more in this world. Life will be sweet as humans will realize they are all part of the same global family (vasudhaiva kuTumbhakam)!

Love is the only religion we ever needed and will always need!

Truth

2007-07-15T17:36:00.002-05:00

Truth will seek the seeker.
Also if you do not seek the truth, it will usually not seek you.
Truth is uncomfortable for people who are afraid to face it.
Sometimes long followed traditions do us a dis-service by masking the truth.
The truth is.
Nothing else is.
Even if the whole world chooses to deny the truth... truth still is.
Do not be afraid to seek the truth if you are really seeking.
Do not get fazed by opposition to knowledge.

Today's Quote

2007-07-09T00:57:00.000-05:00

A child longing parent and awake;
Sleeps when parent stays by for a while!

- Observation based on personal experience...

What about the seeker?

Explanation of the Poem "Root of Karma"

2007-06-22T00:24:00.000-05:00

I wrote a poem "Root of Karma" while contemplating this question that has probably been asked a million times so far in the history of the known universe. I have been a questioner all my life. I always question to understand... I know there are cases where the answer is unknown to humans. But the answer is there... only Bhagavan knows it.

May be the details of the root of karma are not relevant for me and hence the information is not needed for me. I also have accepted certain things are indeterminate in the field of mathematics... so the concept of something being indeterminate is not unacceptable for me. Infact, I wrote something on this in my blogsite a few weeks ago when I had resigned to not seek answers to some of these questions: http://lokakshemam.blogspot.com/2007/05/irrational.html

But this question keeps hankering me... like a nagging doubt, it comes back to me. It is very wierd as to how when we try to go deep into the roots of a few simple things we take for granted... we get flabbergasted. It is due to daya on us that many Acharyas (teachers) have prescribed not to delve too deep into this topic. I will try but my swabhavam is one of contemplation and thinking... even though faith comes to mnaturally, I am also a deep thinker! I also have found that some times questions that I have, get answered from unexpected sources.

I think the root of karma is an indeterminate for my mind as much as the square root of 2 is indeterminate to the fullest extreme to humans (as it has a non terminating, non recurring decimal). And true enough someone like Brahman or Bhagavan who is not limited by the constraint of time might be able to tell exactly what the 1 millionth millionth trillionth decimal place on it without any problems... I guess my brain is not wired to do that.

My humble conclusion is that Karma is anaadi in the sense that the root is too deep for me to compute... but the one that comprehends all just knows the root of all!

Root of Karma

2007-06-20T23:04:00.000-05:00

They say it has no beginning!
But everything results from it...
The results of ones action
Either good or bad!

What is the root of this karma?
What caused me to be born ever?
Was I pushed out of my will?
Was I pulled in may be?

Why was I first born
When did I acquire my first karma
How did this all begin
Oh! I wish I knew how?

Why are answers not there?
Why does no one care?
Why do questions creep?
To the mind from so deep?

Some dare not ask this,
Some care not to care,
Some know this may be -
Where are they that know?

A loving God - ever merciful,
the one who is never partial,
gave me my countless births,
Why my first birth?

All who realize are ready to run,
Not really caring to see,
Where from they came and why,
Am I the only one to ask this?

Material Immaterial?

2007-06-10T12:45:00.006-05:00

1. There is nothing wrong in making money as long it is acquired by honest means
2. Attachment to money is the issue... not being attached is difficult; therefore great people caution against going only after money for the spiritually inclined
3. There is a stage in life that most people who get spiritual knowledge will stop giving importance to money even though due to the need to act, they still are involved in working and making money. One needs to find a balance.
4. Even if one makes a lot of money, they should not forget to be humble and treat everyone with respect.
5. Happy people actually are not doing their work for money... money is just a side-effect to their work that they love to do
6. Again, while doing work that we like is a good thing as it keeps us busy and engaged; if that is all we do and do not look inwards; then the balance is lost. Find honest work that you like to do, that you have the aptitude for and apply a positive attitude to your work.
7. One should continue to act and make a living even though s/he might have gotten spiritual realization.
8. There is nothing wrong in pursuing your career if you are in spiritual pursuit and likewise nothing wrong in inquiring into higher truths if you are deep in a career. However, realize that spiritual inquiry might lead to a stage of temporary inactivity that you need to shrug of real quick. So it is said that spiritual path should be a gradual process. Other than this caution there is no restriction what-so-ever to anyone to start inquiring into spirituality.
9. As there are principles to spiritual evolution in one's life; so there are principles to creating wealth. Many of these principles seem to have nothing to do with making money as they are riches in themselves (read the book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill if you are interested in knowing more about these) -
a. Definite major purpose
b. Habit of going the extra mile
c. Faith
d. Love
e. Cultivating an abundance mentality and not a scarcity mentality - i.e. realizing this universe is one of abundance and hence there is enough for every one
f. Transmutation of material thoughts by using the creativity in work
g. Real owner of all the wealth is the all-pervading supreme being. Even though this is called by different names by different people (as God, Almighty, Nature, Infinite Intelligence, Universal Spirit, Self etc); it is good to realize that we are not the Lords of the material world.
h. Money is a measure of help you provide other people
i. Principles come first, money will follow
j. One must live within their means always
k. Contentment is a good thing - there is a fine line between being contented and reaching out. You will find the balance. But people who is not content with what they have today will never be content. One has to count their blessings and live their life with gratitude and thankfulness. This is the key to living without attachment!

Imagine 2

2007-06-05T22:21:00.001-05:00

Imagine this world is your country,
Imagine your neighbor is your sibling,
Imagine your mind is your friend,
Imagine your heart is your guide,
Imagine your religion is love,
Imagine a lifetime is a day -
How do you choose to spend it?

Problems unsolved,
Puzzles galore;
What use is fretting?
Let go of the shore.
Promise not the world,
Just live in this moment.
Pray if you can,
To live with no care!

Imagine a light shining so bright,
That you cannot see it;
A sound so deafening ,
A thought that never ended,
Is why you are not there yet!
Can peace that you have be found?
An unlocked lock unlocked!

Imagine a calm that you had,
But know not that you have.
Imagine a boat that is swept,
By currents to the right place!
A paddle lost seems not to matter;
Imagine a God that's unseen,
Imagine you being inside!

Imagine a place that you never saw,
Imagine a plan that you never made,
Imagine a peace that you never felt;
And a hope that you never had.
Imagine a world that is your heart,
A light is shining and waiting,
Imagine that you turned and noticed!

When the mind...

2007-06-05T22:16:00.000-05:00

When the mind is confused, listen and be quiet,
Never be frayed
For the guidance will come in ways unknown
For the way will be shown in tiny fragments!

When the world is zooming in
And thoughts go haywire
Stay your course
The thought shall stop troubling you

When the heart is empty
Poured out and weary
Smile for there is a small space
That is still not so empty!

When the mind wanders
from its coveted goal
Wander but bring back
A way will show through!

Livermore Balaji Kee Jai!

2007-05-30T22:55:00.002-05:00

May 30, 2007

He stands tall amidst mountains
a la Venkata Girivasa
He stands with conch and the wheel of time,
His gestures of assurance and acceptance,
Of my surrender indeed reassuring
Victory to Livermore Srinivasa!

He looks at me with eyes full of love
Eyes that are unseen to me
Behind his beautiful insignia
His jewels are shining
His prime jewel, the mother of prosperity
Shining in his heart!

Amidst a hundred mountains,
Stands the Satah-Giri Vasan!
He stands so the world can spin
He stands so his lost friends
Can find him once more
Like a calf does her mother.

Tears flowing, words swallowed
I stand in front of him
Nothing separating us,
Neither the doorway, nor our distance
Oh! Indeed it was a moment of joy,
Oh! Indeed it was a moment of wonder!

Mortals of this world!
If ever you have a way,
Find your way to Livermore,
For here shines the beacon light for all,
The one who can help you cross,
This ocean with a smile!

Oh! Mortals of this Universe!
If you ever wonder what it is to know bliss!
Fly down to this place of Hari,
Where you will feel the greatness,
The joy, the splendor and the mercy,
Of the Supreme Protector of all!

Irrational?

2007-05-27T23:59:00.000-05:00

I have my background in mathematics and the concepts of math used to intrigue me as a kid. I used to wonder why the square root of 2 is irrational... i.e. non terminating and non recurring numbers after the decimal point... where does it end. This sequence ending is indeterminable for human minds as known so far. Similarly the concept of infinity... is amazing. Concept of non-integrable functions is also very intriguing... how come some functions cannot be integrated while all can be differentiated. I could rack my brains all I wanted but I stopped once I figured my brains CPU might hit 100% if I keep trying to solve these!

In my spiritual quest, I have run into similar iterative questions. Karma for e.g. Since my atman is eternal (Bhagavad Gita) ... when in eternity did it ever get embodied to start accumulating karmic reactions (good or bad).

If I am eternal and originally full of knowledge... what exactly cause me to lose the knowledge?

What makes paramatman as paramatman, jeevatman as jeevatman and Prakriti as Prakriti?

What is the root of all this?

Anyways, these are the indeterminates that I have run into in my spiritual quest and I am sure I will contemplating for ever if I need to understand this.

Which is why I for now, have realized that having full gnana is impossible with some of these basic questions. Every saint and avatar was questioned on these and has somehow evaded a direct answer!

But the concept of karma and its reactions and the fact that desires determine outcomes does make logical and intuitive sense to me. And the desire to not go through samsara seems to be a noble desire indeed... letting go seems to be the only possible solution; at least for now!

Call for Unity

2007-05-27T13:42:00.001-05:00

This is a clarion call for all humans to be united...
Let us respect each other irrespective of our beliefs and faith,
Let us love each other for who we are irrespective of what we think we are,
Let us be and let others be,
Let us offer a hand of help when possible,
Let us spread the message of love and tolerance to all,
Let us follow our faith once we find it,
But don't ever let us put another person's faith down.
Let us be bold and confident about the future of the world,
Let us be good and be truthful...
Let us contemplate even if for just one second...
Let us be nice to another being today.
Let us smile once today,
Let us shake ourselves up a bit once today.
Let us look just once inside ...
With eyes shut and mind wide open!

Is Science getting closer to Spirituality?

2007-05-27T01:03:00.002-05:00

Science means knowledge and constitutes theories and experimental analysis. I predict that Science will slowly realize that Spirituality is indeed real! Interesting article to read about Dark Matter - http://symmetrymagazine.org/cms/?pid=1000451

The so called Dark matter is very strange indeed, it has mass/ gravity but passes thru us!

I wrote the following thoughts on science a few months ago when I had rediscovered spirituality.

As part of my scientific quest I read vociferously - I read higher physics (starting from quantum physics),cosmology, some of the Upanishads, Bhagvad Gita) and also read about String Theory. I came to one conclusion; science is still very young but very bold. Being young it makes bold statements; like Newtonian mechanics was once hailed as the holy grail of physics; then when Schrodinger came along Quantum mechanics was hailed as the next best thing to a slice of bread. However, every few years science reinvents itself; and being young it does not hesitate to call itself wrong every time it does so. Science has not discovered consciousness (an attribute of the atman) yet and being bold vehemantly opposes such concepts but will move more towards research on consciousness in due course of time. If you read the latest so called breakthroughs in science, you will see the following.

1. Science has finally realized all matter (what we call as Prakriti) as energy. I heard about the research in stanford with particle accelerators which broke a sub-atomicparticle to the end resulted in 2 gamma rays (energy)
2. Science has realized the possibility of dark matter and believes the universe to be made of mostly darkmatter (compare this to the statement in Purusha Suktham "paadosya vishwa bhootani,tripadasyaamrutham divi" which means "A fourth is this known universe, three fourths is a divine eternity")
3. Science also realizes that for every particle generally found there is an anti-particle (e.g. electron vs. positron)
4. Science is amazed at the genetic coding of the DNA and is befuddled and mesmerized by just a few strands of code.
5. Einstein tried to create unified theory of allforces but could not. String theory is trying to address these... string theory is able to address the dual nature of sub-atomic aprticles such as electronsbeing both particles and waves with the use of stringtheory. It basically defines the universe as acomposite set of infinitesmal strings of energy...
6. String theory is a theory. No experimental proof is foreseen due to the subtleness of the theory
7. String theory apparently requires the equations to assume 10 - 27 spacedimensions. Even though this is a wiki link - checkout, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_theory
8. We can only comprehend 3 space dimensions. However,mathematicians have been perfectly OK with dimensionsof more than order of 3 due to the fact that a fourthor higher dimension can be represented by a set suchas (x,y,z,p,q,r,...).
9. String Theory now postulates the possibility of gravitons... basically the particles that cause gravity. There are matter fields and force fields... for e.g. electric fields are attributed to flow of electrons and are strong fields. Gravitation albeit being a seemingly universal field is weak... hence in the other dimensions string theory postulates the possibility of gravitons with stronger gravitional field that is felt weakly in our universe. I have heard from some people that they do not believe in string theory... nevertheless the intent is to convey that scientists are also seekers... many do lab experiments and some do thought experiments!
10. Multiverse concepts are mathematically getting postulated and lopped up by Sci-fiction movies. Interestingly multiverse concepts can also be found in ancient indian writings!

Science cannot explain everything and is slowly coming to close to the truth... but I do not have a long enough time to wait for science to figure it all out. Science will slowly realize there is energy and there is consciousness.

P.S. Science cannot explain questions such as "Who am I?" very easily.

I

2007-05-26T23:10:00.000-05:00

Am I this body?
If so, where was I before this birth?
Where do I go afterwards?
Who am I?
When I negate all that I know the one thing remains,
It says "I am".
Now I say, so whose am I?
Am I my own?
If so, who are you and him and her?
And whose are they?
Sentient nevertheless part of a bigger whole,
There is a soul to our soul,
The soul that loves us,
Beyond all else and waits for us,
to know and acknowledge and surrender...
Yeah! What else can we do ...
If we do not know anymore.
This soul of the soul is so small yet so big,
It is inside and outside and felt all over,
It is what all of us are trying to explain,
And experience!
Some see this soul as their own soul,
Some see this soul as themselves,
But do you lose yourself then?
Not really... only you will know.
All I know is what I know!

Prayers for Peace

2007-05-25T23:21:00.001-05:00

May 25, 2007

Peace! Peace! Peace!
Let there be peace everywhere!
Let every one feel the spirit of unity,
The one voice in your and my heart,
The one language that we all emote,
Naturally is Love.

Let there be peace in my heart,
Let there be peace in your heart!
Take a moment and think,
If you were in my place and I in yours,
We would be no different!
So let’s be at peace forever!

Peace is an easy word to say!
When flares raise in the mind,
It flies off the window of intelligence,
Words are spoken – raw, cutting words,
Deeper than the deepest wounds,
Why indeed do we need to do that!

Look inside and you will find,
A universe as big as what you see around you,
Listen with your ears closed,
You will hear the silence beating,
A drop of nectar you never dared,
To search within yourself for!

Love your neighbor, so they say!
Love yourself and your neighbor…
And all will be OK with the world!
Send your love across time and space,
Across all dimensions known and unknown!
Love, you see is the only way!

This talk of love, is old indeed!
"Cheesy!" some say! Why care!
Stop and think! How many cares might have been avoided,
Had love been the language of choice!
Love, my friend is the end of all searches and means,
It’s the only way you can find peace!

Clarity

2007-05-19T09:55:00.005-05:00

May 12, 2007

So all that I see and hear and feel and perceive and do not,
Belong not to me!
All that I think and wonder and ponder and question,
Belong not to me!
All this truly is not mine!
Including myself!

So then all this verily a part of this other being,
This being owns itself and all else,
Hence I belong to this,
This being has both man and womanly qualities
But is neither man or woman as we know of it!
This being called by many names and by no names,
The one composite of all good qualities!
Of love, strength, valor, power, energy, radiance, brilliance and many more
Of mercy, love, affection, patience, forbearance, wealth and many more
So many more that neither I nor It knows of it!
So then this really verily owns all that is known and not known!

So then why the confusion
In all of us and all who we know
So why these differences
Here is a man who says He does not exist
He is gone when his body is gone, so he says!
And there is one who says He is all there is
He is the one and only, so he says!
And here is one more who says he owns none,
That he is part of the one supreme truth!
Why this difference?
Why cannot the supreme intervene!

So then the Supreme is impartial,
Eternal by nature It is not in a hurry
Like you and me you see!
It is impartial and never hasty,
For all is going on by its will…
A fine line between will and bestowing the same to me,
So subtle that I almost thought I was the one willing!
While I do will by having desire to know It,
It has to will before I can ever know it.
Surrender I can and should do,
For all else seems to be verily strenuous here!

And then there are the names and forms,
Those that name It verily by multitudinous names,
Those that worship it with a form and without,
It is verily a class of its own,
To be called so many names,
And seen in so many forms!
Knowing It – this Brahman to be one and all,
Does It come in the form so desired?
Or does it already have the form before!

Now the man of faith should keep going by faith,
For his faith might be shaken if not,
For properties this being has infinite,
All good and all for a reason,
That which is bad if in you,
Is still good when seen in It,
The one most important attribute is Love,
The Love for which It yearns,
So much as I do too!
The Love which is felt more,
When you see the form of this being!
This conundrum of both form and formlessness!

They say this being, which is real big,
Can never be understood fully,
I might know It exists as different from all,
As the only subject where all else is object,
Hence It is the only real “He” - some say!
Some say His name is this and that,
I say, Love! Love this being with all your heart,
And be good to all!
Thou shall not fight to prove that,
Which is unproven to all who think it is proven!
But surrender you should if all else fails,
For surrender is a sure way for all!

So why not this mind thinks,
Again and again indeed,
Can I feel It, nor experience it?
Why indeed can I not know it,
As many said they do,
Why indeed can I not be with It,
For just maybe a human moment,
Why indeed such a being Inside and Outside me,
So subtle, so unseen and so unknown!
Why indeed, I say and pray!
Why only me, why indeed!

I shall be patient,
Forbearance and all!
For by being good and patient,
If It wills, it will sure show me,
In some way that I have known,
That I have finally known!
Now all I have to go is hope and faith,
And cheer and goodness of heart,
And send those love waves to eternity now,
Infinite feelings from my finite mind;
I am sure I will know It soon!

You cannot be understood

2007-05-19T09:53:00.001-05:00

May 2, 2007

You cannot be understood,
By words, by thoughts, by deeds,
By sight or any other means,
You cannot be fathomed indeed.

All we can know is your majesty,
Your prowess, your shyness –
In not showing yourself to us,
For your love abounds for us.

All they say is you are felt,
In moments of silence between silences,
Moments when you shine in a flash,
In a sheer rush of something deeper than emotions.

All they say is you will show yourself
When the time is right
When the being is ready
When I just let go

Oh! Is not being good a good thing,
For even in those don’t believe in you,
If they be good – wouldn’t you protect them?
Oh! I wish good to all.

Oh! Is not knowing one’s self a bit better,
For in the knowledge of self,
A being loses its body-ness,
And revels in that knowledge

Oh! I wish all can feel the silence,
Between waves of silence crashing,
The silence where you speak,
To all that are ready to listen

Oh! My Supreme Soul, My inner being,
The lover supreme, thou art indeed everywhere,
Ever so subtle, ever so playful,
Oh! Indeed you play with all!

Tolerance

2007-05-19T09:52:00.002-05:00

April 24, 2007

Hey human! You who think you are always right,
Have you ever thought the other way round –
Not that you are really wrong,
What if both of you are right!
Tolerance my friend is more divine,
than the total of divinity itself.

Now you say, OK I will –
Be nice to all religions;
But what of the one who says,
There is no need for one.
What of the one who says,
I am fine as I am.

Tolerance my friend, is one where not many dare,
For they are so afraid of their kith and kin,
Who might say they don’t care,
For ways that are followed from ages,
They are important for you – for sure;
But so not much to hurt the other man

A man sitting on a tree branch,
Sometimes saws so hard;
The same branch that is his seat,
His thoughts are not looking out.
Tolerance my friend, is one where you stay put,
Throw the saw that slices and send your love instead.

Now you might believe in a supreme,
Who is so sublime and serene,
To share that to the whole world –
Might not be so right indeed.
For what is yours in yours for sure,
Let the other man see for himself!