CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM (SECRET)

There have been many explanations given by various people about this dance form of Shiva. This statue is famous in  a place in Tamil Nadu known as Chidambaram. There is a mystical secret associated with this place known as ‘ Chidambara rahasyam’ and priests show the devotees, for a few seconds, by pulling off a screen where one can see falling strands of stems bearing leaves somehow denoting the futility of life on earth. This place also has been described as the epicentre of earth or as some describe as the epicentre of the whole of Universe.

Well, I seem to have an explanation for all the above. It surely denotes the origin of the Universe, as a demonstration. In sanskrit, the word ‘ Hiranyagarba’ is mentioned which is the cosmic womb. Before the origin of the Universe, only consciousness existed. This is depicted as the meditating form of Shiva. Then the idea of formation of Universe was conceived, maybe as a sort of entertainment. The Consciousness (God) created a cosmic womb. The sattvic quality was changed to Rajas, meaning dynamism or increased activity. In my opinion the Nataraja statue denotes this cosmic womb. Consciousness created matter and energy in a space, Prakruti, Shakti and Akasha with Consciousness also taking part in a subtle way. In this scheme of things, Shiva is depicted as  matter and Shakti became Parvati. So we have a concept in Hinduism as Ardhanaarishwara. 

The statue consists of all these ingredients. The consciousness, matter in the form of body, energy in the form of fire and space. This system seem to be enclosed in a ball of fire denoting its potential energy. 

Now, we can also assume that this statue is a Carbon atom. The six limbs (four hands and two legs) of Shiva (arising from the main body i.e nucleus) represents the six protons ( and six electrons) present in a Carbon atom. The body of Shiva itself is consciousness. With the dance ( heightened activity) the protons, neutrons and electrons are shattered.  This probably gives the idea of a Big Bang theory. 

We know from Atomic theory that all elements are made up of atoms. Atomic number, which is the number of protons (and electrons) determine the element. For eg. if an atom contains one proton and one electron it is Hydrogen atom. Two protons, two electrons becomes Helium atom. Likewise Carbon, Oxygen, Iron, Gold, Silver etc.. Coming back to the statue, which is a Carbon atom, it undergoes fission and fusion within an energy field. The womb is broken, the protons, neutrons and the electrons are scattered and later  lead to the formation of  various elements. Some of the Carbon atoms, under some circumstances, also form co-valent bonding with some elements to form long and complex chains of molecules which lead to the formation of biological bodies such as trees, animals and humans. We have, depicted in the image, hair braids as leaves and a child on which Shiva is resting his one leg meaning that biological bodies get formed.  The instrument in one of his hands, called as the damru probably represents sound energy produced in this process. We cannot fail to notice that all this takes place in an atmosphere of tremendous energy which are both emanated as well as absorbed. The elements as well as biological bodies represent the matter. The light represents the energy. There is also the physical energy, the kinetic energy. The light energy, as per Quantum Physics, gets transmitted in the form of photon waves which on falling to a surface get converted to electrons (ElectroMagnetic theory) and this is how the matter and energy become convertible. 

When the biological bodies lose the life (i.e the Consciousness) they become mere matter subject to decay. The long chain carbon molecules get buried under the earth (which is also a matter) and in a process which happens over thousands of years, get converted into fossil fuels. They also get converted into some elements and their oxides which are then extracted as metal deposits. In some circumstances, the matter is burnt, i.e forest fires, Hindus burning of dead where the residue, the ash, may consist of some higher elements such as rare earths. Homa, performed as an austerity in Hindu religion is symbolic of this. 

And so the Natarajar Statue is a demonstration of the formation of the Universe and its many forms. The whole of Cosmic event of which humans are a small part is hidden inside of this statue/image. This is the reason, that the place Chidambaram is an epicentre and the statue, a mystical secret. 

Finally, you must have seen the dome in atomic Power plants whose origin can be attributed to Shiva form.  Shiva represents the consciousness, energy and matter, in a state of tremendous power. Therefore Shiva is often depicted as the Linga structure which in actuality is a enclosure to tremendous power generated. 

Another hint. This probably is the reason, Nataraja Statue adorns the entrance to CERN ( European Organisation for Nuclear Research) in Switzerland. 

THE NECTAR FROM SANATANA DHARMA

1. Life & Death are a small part of a long journey undertaken by the soul, something like changing clothes everyday. Another example is the roleplay by a particular character  in a movie. 

2. The Soul is immortal and eternal, has no form, cannot be destroyed by any force or fire. The sum total of all Soul may be a small part of the Supreme. 

3. Law of Karma is unquestionable and cannot be bypassed by anyone. 

4. In order to fulfil the purpose of Karma discharge, the Soul,called as the Atman comes to dwell in the body which acquires a form. This is akin to an individual taking a house on rent. The body is a perishable matter. So then Sanatana Dharma raises a pertinent question-why the attachment to something which in any way one shall lose at some time?  

5. The best way to live one's life is to accept things as they come and tune your response to your happenings. This way of life is called as Yog and the righteous response is called Dharma. 

6. Happiness is derived from enduring ones Karma and doing Dharma. Do one's duty with responsibility is the mantra. 

7. One must live in the ecosystem as an integral part of it and must fulfil all obligations. Ecosystem consists of biotic and abiotic components. So respect all. 

8. All amenities required for any being on  earth are provided by the Supreme Being in accordance with all considerations. Even human inventions are not really individual achievements but awarded to humanity to achieve a purpose.

9. Everything living as well as non-living has a lifecycle. But the span of life differs. Therein is the significance of Time. Typical lifecycle follows the same pattern of creation (birth), endurance and decay & death. 

10. The earth itself, which consists of all beings, are clothed in an environment called as Maya. Something like a mirage or illusion. The goal of a soul is to escape from this illusion. There are four ways (techniques) prescribed where a willing individual can escape from this Maya to achieve immorality and experience complete bliss. 

11. Human being is the highest form of the Soul.  A human soul is endowed with four components viz, mind, emotions, memory and intelligence. The vibrations are created in the mind which takes inputs from all the other components before a response. Control of the mind in a tight lease is prescribed to ensure appropriate.response. Intellect is the discerning authority. 

12. The vibrations created by the mind travel through a vehicle called as the Ego. Control of the mind is the degree to which this Ego is restricted. So dynamism is not desired. Calmer mind is preferred over an agitated mind. Limiting this vehicle called Ego is given a lot of importance in Sanatana Dharma. 

MIND

FIRST, THE SCRIPTURES

Vedas are texts in Sanatana Dharma which illustrate the whole of creation, the meaning and purpose of birth as human beings and enumerates methods to attain salvation. Upanishads are more practical applications of the Vedas. Puranas are simple ways the essential  concept is explained to lay people for whom the other two are heavy to understand. So the Vedas begin at the beginning, i.e at the time the Universe was created. According to the Vedas, initially, only pure Consciousness existed. Then this consciousness wanted to manifest. So it is said that Brahma was created and assigned with the task of creating the Universe. Prakruti (Matter) and Shakthi ( Energy) were formed. In order to fuse these two, environment in the form of three Gunas, namely, Rajas, Tamas and Satvic were created. Interestingly, Consciousness also was made a part of the resultant product which  now can be called as the Universe. This begining is timed presently at about 1.70 billion years ago. A lifetime of 100 cosmic years (4.32 billion years) was given to Brahma. Brahma then appointed assistants to execute the plan with clear instructions. Thesis for all these are the Vedas. Vedas then led to Upanishads which detailed practical explanations to the Vedas. It is said there are 108 Upanishads. Then we have 18 Puranas, two Itihasaas, I e Ramayan and Mahabharat with a view to understand the Vedas in simple terms for the ordinary layman. 

THE ATMAN

The centre point in the Scriptures is the Atman. This one whole Atman (Paramatma) can seperate from the main, acquire attributes, undergo certain experiences and then if sufficient will power exists can merge with the whole once again. The breakaway Atman is called as Jivatma. The primary nature of this Jivatma is explained as without form, ever-existing (timeless), without qualities or attributes and can be all-pervading and very similar to Paramatma. It is later explained in this write-up that this Jivatma, though pure and effulgent, gets covered with dirt. Imagine a diamond, so shining, that is thrown in a gutter containing filthy mud. If this diamond is taken out, wiped clean, then it regains the original shine. Another example is that  of a closed empty pot. There is same air both inside and outside of the pot divided by the mud wall. Once the pot is broken, the air inside merges with that in outside and the air that was inside of the pot cannot be identified seperately. 

THE ENTRY OF MIND

In order to fulfil certain requirements, this Atman is made to manifest as living beings. Towards this purpose, it is given a kit in the form of Mind. Thankfully the mind is connected to  consciousness or conscience as we call them. Mind is therefore one's gateway between the pure form called as Brahman and the experiences called as Vasanas. The nature of the mind is that it is extremely creative, can be moulded by the surroundings, and comes with a pre-programmed software called as Karma. It must also be said that the lifetime of this mind is finite and is dissolved at the time of death. But the software of Karma is carried over. 

Now the Mind has two appendages, memory and emotions. The importance of the Mind is that it can generate thoughts continuously. The stimulus for these thoughts are from five inputs called as the five sense organs, i.e eyes with ability to see and perceive, ears with the ability to detect and analyse sound energy, nose with ability to smell, tongue with the ability to taste and skin with the ability to feel pleasure or  comfort or pain. Mind is also given the same original environment, the Gunas, viz Tamas, Rajas and Sattvic, from which it can  operate in different proportions at different times. Based on the inputs from the senses, the thoughts arise in the mind. These thoughts are influenced by memory and emotions, the two appendages to the Mind and shape the way for the actions. If every thought is made to pass through Consciousness that is attached to the Mind, then the outcome can be known as Dharma, the right way to do the Actions. Actions are initiated through the organs in the body. It needs to be said here that while Dharma is the right action, it does not ensure release from the cycle of rebirth. For this, there is another concept called as Sharanagati, total surrender to God, which is to dedicate all the consequences of one's actions to God and this can take away the individual from the recurrent cycle. 

MAYA

Mind, however, is always attached to the Atman (Original Consciousness) but does not realise it. This is because this part is enveloped in a zone called as Maya. This Maya is a powerful force whose influence is extremely strong. It can be described as a wall, or as a barrier or a membrane enveloping the Mind and the body. The quality of Maya is that it is unreal but can give the illusion of reality to the Mind.  The analogy given by Sri Sankaracharaya is that of rope, that may appear in darkness  as a snake and create a fear. When light is shone on it, then it can be seen clearly as a rope. But for the realised, this rope also may disappear over a period of time by disintegrating. So same object appears in different forms. 

KARMA 

With this setup, the Mind undergoes experiences which are dictated by Karma. Karma, we can say, is a recording of the Mind of the consequences of its actions during its lifetime and can be carried over across different births. Therefore, a reborn mind has a deposit of Karma at the time of birth and more is acquired like money during the lifetime by actions executed by the Mind. Karma is a supreme Law, non-negociable, not interfered by even the Supreme Consciousness. Since the actions arise out of the thoughts arising in one's mind, even the thoughts come under the purview of Karma. Now we come to the purpose of this whole exercise. One is born to atone for the Karma, both good and the bad. But the same individual also generates fresh Karma during a lifetime which also need to be spent either in the same birth or in future births. There goes the cycle of births and deaths, a rigmarole of never-ending chain. 

THE REALISATION

According to the Scriptures, the Atman,  which for the reason had to manifest and undergo experiences due to accumulated Karma, at one point, realises that it wants to go back to its original state from which it was seperated. There are only 4 paths indicated, by following which this can be attained, namely the Karma Yog, Bhakti Yog, Gyan Yog and Raja Yog.

For an individual, when he starts to realise that he or she wants to attain this, can follow either one or more of these four methods or a combination of these. The practical method one must realise is that during the effort, called as Sadhana, to attain the original Atman , the end goal is that the mind must be made to shrink and finally dissolve. Once the Mind is shrunk and minimised to the maximum extent possible, then it shall become so small so as to pass through the fine pore in the Maya barrier and merge with the Atman just as a droplet of water in a river flows into the sea and merges with the vast ocean and loses its individual identity. Further, the Atman which has a thin wall seperating it from the Whole (called as Paramatma) ( remember mud pot example) also dissolves it's wall and merges with the Whole and loses its identity. 

THE PROCESS

But the process of shrinking of the Mind calls for strenous effort on the part of the individual and requires enormous power. Shrinking of the mind happens through intense concentration to create a focus. The purpose of the focus is to stop the thoughts that arise in the Mind, which are energy generated from the environment of Maya. When thoughts stop in the Mind, it starts shrinking. To stop thoughts from arising, the  stimulants (the five senses)have to be cut off. For eg. Eyes must stop seeing and perceiving, the ears have to fall deaf etc.. So, the wise people have described forms of Gods and installed them in temples, created music soothing for the soul and divine fragrances.The pleasures of the skin must be done away with. The tongue must taste only food that help in sustaining the life in the body till such time as the goal is attained.. With such efforts, the inputs from the senses are greatly restricted to enable the individual consciousness to focus. But, in the world of Maya  the disturbances are wide and varied in the world. So one must develop the power of discrimination. It is said that such efforts are so difficult that for an individual it is not possible without the guidance of a seer, a Guru.  So Vedas recommend to undergo tutelage under a teacher.  One must always dwell upon the Paramatma, called as supreme Brahman so as to concentrate and focus. 

For the layman, in day to day life,  many ways are prescribed towards concentration and shrinking of the Mind. Going to temples, indulging in Rama Nama, rituals, doing Nithya karmas such as sandhyavandana, homa, sacrifices, listening to namasankeerthanas and discourses, meditation, Yoga, penances and any way that purifies the thoughts ( chitta-shuddhi) are all Upasanas to focus on the end goal. Some practical ways in today's world are to shut out cacophonic noises and bombarding news, keeping a balanced view on all subjects, choosing wisely one's food intake, curbing ego and all the associated vices such as greed and malice, practicing simplicity and avoiding extravagance, refraining from judging are some tips to elevate one towards more peace and prepare oneself for ultimate liberation. 

 

PROCESS OF THE MIND

My theory is that human mind has four zones arranged probably in concentric circles. Thoughts arise from the mind core by some stimulus. Thoughts keep arising. Stimulus may be the five sense organs. The thoughts then pass through memory zone which feeds it with a precedent, if any. Next to this the thoughts enter emotions zone which gives it a suitable behavioural pattern. Finally the thoughts are wetted by Intellect zone (may also be known as conscience) for any possible warning of its ill-effects. Then thoughts turn into actions.  Actions have cause and effect, the Karma theory.  All these happen in fleeting time.

Mind itself may be part of Atman. Size of the mind depends upon the individual. If one tries to expand the Atman, mind can become dwindled. I doubt if the mind can be completely destroyed as long as an individual is within the maya. Only on death, and during the state called as samadhi, mind can be completely destroyed. The effort, therefore, in one's life, should be to expand the Atman and bring it to the focus. Atman itself is an infinitesimal part of the whole called as Paramatman. Atman, as we all know is indestructible. If one can realise the Atman, then at this stage, Matter ceases to exist as in 0 degree Kelvin. This state is called as Parabrahmam. 

A LIGHT HOUSE TO ATTAIN NIRVANA

During Infancy and Teenages -After coming out of childhood, respect your parents & elders. -Learn and imbibe good values, behavior, traits and habits. ( Gunas ) -Realize that at that age, your education is the most important thing in your life -Widen your knowledge with an open mind. Learn skills -Develop humility and simplicity. -If possible, continue Celibacy ( Brahmacharayam ) 

During Youth -Worship work and devotedly serve without expectations. -Follow rules of the society and practice discipline -Do not hurt other human beings, either physically or mentally or best, any living being. -Learn to control desires, lust and greed. Desires towards worldly comforts and material needs. (Smoking ,Drinking,Drug addiction, etc. come under this category) ;Lust towards women other than your wife, (includes even thoughts) ; Greed towards money and wealth. -Discharge your duties towards your wife and children. -Realize that your present is the result of your past Karma. There is no way one can escape this because it is Universal Justice. Learn to endure your bad karma and enjoy your good ones. This is your destiny. But you have a choice to decide your future destiny. -Success and failures are two sided of the same coin. -Take care of your parents and serve them as required. -Earn only enough to meet your needs. Rest should be given away. -Your responsibilities and duties become much less after your parents depart and children become on their own. Remember birds which feed their siblings only till the time they develop wings, but once grown encourage them to fly. 

During the Last part of life -At this stage, devote your time to God. Internalize. Or serve humanity/other people. -Do not be afraid of death. Take it calmly when it comes. Realize that it is a cycle of nature. -Ultimate goal is soul’s liberation to merge with God and freedom from births and deaths and the pains of this material world. True for all times ; Remember God always and repeat His Name as much as possible

YOU CAN BE HAPPY NOW!!!

Many western authors have researched ( in the lab).about how to experience happiness. They are all based on sampling of a few Individuals and situations. But, in the world the people's traits and situations are so varied as the population itself.  

However the theory of Vedas on happiness is different. It goes like this. According to the Vedas, human form is an embodiment of happiness. It is best depicted by Maha Vishnu who is relaxing in a reclining position with a satisfied smile on his face. But due to Maya in the world, we are not easily able to perceive this state and get dissolved in mundane matters. It is like gold which inherently shines is put into a muddy slush. It's tendency remains the same but it vets blackened by surroundings. If it is able to clear this covering, then it's true quality is revealed. For human understanding we can say that happiness can be experienced by an individual if they conform to the following three behaviors.

1. Contentment - contentment means accepting what one has, in everything, be it finance, status, position or situation. If ones eyes are blind, accept. If one is poor, accept the situation as a fallout of one's Karma. That is, in this life, he/she deserves it. What others have is what they deserve. But contentment is very difficult to achieve in the material world. Whatever one perceives through the mind through the five senses get tempted and therefore want to possess. One has to consciously avoid this tendency by constant practice. 
2. Responsibility - The minute one is born the meter of responsibility starts. This is because one is born into a society filled with people. As one grows the responsibilities increase. There can be no escape from this. Responsibility gives rise to a whole lot of traits. Ego is one. Expectation is another. Bonding is another important trait. Then there are ambition, desires, moods, emotions, likes, dislikes what not. The nature of the world is such that these are very difficult to avoid.  They constitute an unavoidable burden because of which an individual is forced into action. The secret to overcome this, as advised by Vedas, is 'nishkama karma'. In simple terms, it means, involve in action, use discrimination to ensure Dharma in all actions, but dedicate the results to God. Just like a wagon which is loaded with goods, is attached to Engine (God) and travel the path of life. Lighten your mind, set aside your anxieties and worries and live through life in the present. The Engine knows the destination, the wagon does not. 
3. Energy field. -  An individual is covered by an energy field which exists in the form of halo around his body. Ideally this energy field is positive, by default  There is constant exchange of energy among people during daily activities. By getting involved in day-to-day activities and coming in touch with people, this energy field gets depleted as well gets converted to negative energy.  If energy is depleted, it causes depression & disease. As negative energy fills this field, one tends to show negative traits and behaviors  Positive energy can be perceived as a glow in the appearance whereas negative energy gives a drained appearance. While negative energy can be converted to positive energy by tools such as meditation, it can be blocked by traits such as forgiveness, patience and compassion. Sometimes it has the power to convert the incoming negative energy into positive. 

It may be noticed that Spiritual seers have all these qualities. The environment is transformed to be conducive to the exercise of these traits while earlier the individual was a slave of the environment. These are brought about by following Yoga in it's true sense.

TECHNIQUES OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR

The mind of an Individual perceives through the five senses, viz the eyes that sees, the ears that hears, the nose that smells, the tongue that tastes and talks and the skin that feels. What is perceived this way gets stored in Memory attached to the mind. Thoughts arise in the mind like waves.. These thoughts are aided by the Memory, in so much, the memory feeds the thoughts with a precedent if any. Then the thoughts are complemented by the Emotions. The Intellect analyses these thoughts, sees the capability to act. Then the thoughts may get converted into actions. But the actions are guided by ones Karma.  So the actions may result  as success or failure. These then produce reactions in the Emotions and also the event get stored in Memory.

All these work in their independent capacity. There is, in human beings, one higher capability called as ATMAN. The Atman is a miniscule portion of that Supreme Being that controls the Universe. If this Atman is made to control the Mind, the Memory, the Emotions and the Intellect, then it may cause the action to be righteous at all times. Good cause produces good effects and therefore one gathers good Karma this way.

For egample, if an individual wants to become rich, the thought about getting rich arises in the mind. This is aided by the memory, which may indicate the correct status of the individual or whether once upon a time he was indeed rich. The thought is then complemented by Emotions such as a new found energy or a lackadaisical approach. The intellect then analysis and presents the choice available and ways to achieve richness. If the actions taken bear success, then the individual is happy, elated in emotions which may get stored as an event in his memory. If a failure, then it results in disappointment or depression which may get stored as a failed attempt in Memory.

In the whole thing, however, it is Karma which may decide the success or failure. It is therefore, in my opinion, the way in which the result is taken that may make or break the individual.

On the other hand,if the perceptions are strongly controlled, the thoughts arising from the mind are controlled, minimum input is given by the Memory, the Emotions kept balanced and restrained, the the controlled Intellect  is made to analyse properly, with the discriminating tendency applied, the actions is then minimum because the wants are minimum and probably only one, that is of achieving the Liberation of the Soul, the philosophy of living gets a totally new dimension. Worth the thought?.

Atman, Mind, Emotions, Intellect and Memory are all subtle. Atman is all pervasive, infinite, always in happiness, permanant and all knowing. It is this Atman while being born on Earth takes a material body. May be a samll part of Atman carries with it the other subtler elements with it  which then stores the Karma by erasing the events stored in the memory. Based on this the other subtler elements undergo certain changes which comes to the fore during the next birth.

For an individual if he can focus his mind on the Self, which is part of God himself, then his fixation changes from mind to Atman which is a far better controller. Then the mind shapes up, subjugates memory and emotions and even intellect and merges with the Atman. Ultimately the Atman becomes 100% which is liberation from the cycle of birth and death. 

NATURE’S LESSONS OF WISDOM

When the peak comes down

Water would rush to meet him.

Sun is born with a duty to light the world.

Does it expect anything in return?.

Moon is most beautiful when full

But it wanes and becomes naught one day.

Mountain peak said “nobody can touch me”

Sky said “remember I touch you as well as ground”

When everything in nature is available free

Why was money invented to rob man of peace?

When decay and bloom happen side by side

Can’t you see that sum total is a constant?.

Growth & Maturity have a definite time frame

Hastening them shall be at grave peril.

METAPHYSICS

There are four components of Creation-Cosmos-Prvanjam. These four components are independent of each other, yet pervade the others. The four components are Time, Space, Matter and Energy. Each is a constant but infinite. All the four put together constitute the Paramatman.

Energy is Shakthi denoted in Vedas by Godess.

Matter is made up of five elements. Air, Water, Fire, earth and ether, the panchboothas.

Body is made up of matter consisting of the above five elements. These five elements are in constant interplay with each other. These elements of matter are subject to a fixed lifespan. i.e., they are born, spend a life span and then die out.

Knowledge is something like nerve impulses which is in touch with all the components. Therefore it is there available readily in the cosmos. Intellect is the antenna to receive the signals of knowledge. The capacity of each human being to receive the quantum of the signals vary.

Intellect and Mind are also subtle elements attached to each body. Each body has an atman which is very subtle. Unlike all the others, this atman is eternal. This Atman is sheathed in the body. In reality it is this Atman which propels the body and is responsible for life, movement, thoughts and everything, but these get expressed through the mind. The mind itself is made up of ego and emotions. It is like a membrane, a filter which is Maya. Therefore, when thoughts pass through the mind it tends to get distorted. It is because of this, Vedas say that we must control the mind and make it subservient to the Atman. But we allow our mind to rule and therefore is responsible for all the difficulties and unhappiness we experience. Subjugate the mind to Atman. When this is done the barrier called Maya will break and then, one can experience the bliss.

Space is an expty phenomenon which fills the gaps all over. In order to transcent matter one must travel in space. But there are special conditions which need to be cultivated to travel in space.

Time is a completely independent entity.

A ROAD VIEW ON LIFE

Life is like a journey on the road in the vehicle you are driving. Sometimes you get smooth roads to drive on. In advanced countries like USA,UK,Germany, France etc. the roads are smooth.Life is that much smoother there. People are disciplined enough to follow rules so that they are also safe and make the fellow human beings also safe.

Sometimes you get bad roads with a lot of potholes or even unlaid 'kuccha' ones. This is also akin to life in developing or under developed countries such as India. Here life is a struggle no matter which vehicle you are on. You often find people criss-crossing, obstructing, provocating and insulting you and you have no alternative but to bear them silently. You may have to anticipate peoples' reactions and act accordingly. There is always a fear if you are disciplied on the road, whereas rash driver does not worry, because he is selfish. For him, it is fine if he gets away no matter what happens to the other person. Simply you have to survive and make the best of what is available.

WORRY

When the mind goes over and over a problem and is ceaselessly concerned with it, that is what we call worry. Now, how is one to get rid of worry?. First of all, it is important for the mind not to give soil for the problem to take root. Observe your mind and you will see how restless it is, always occupied with something; with something you have just learned; with what somebody said yesterday; with what you are going to do tomorrow and so on. It is never unoccupied. However big a problem may be, in being occupied with it the mind makes it petty. Only a mind that is unoccupied and therefore fresh can tackle and resolve the problem. - J.KRISHNAMURTHI

EXAMPLES OF SUFFERERS

Some people, is spite of their extremely good nature and lofty moral values suffer in life. Bhisma, Karna, Harish Chandra and the Pandava brothers are examples in our scriptures. Among these people, Harish Chandra, though he underwent terrible sufferings, was finally bailed out by God Himself. In spite of their sufferings, God was with the Pandava brothers throughout their lives protecting them and guiding them. But Bhisma and Karna undertook suffering throughout their lives. It appeared that they were let down badly by God. What is the reason?. Their past Karma?. Both sacrificed their entire life to make others live comfortably. But, finally and unmistakably God was impressed by their deeds and awarded them instant salvation.

CONTROL YOUR SENSES TO BE HAPPY

Everybody knows that there are 5 sense organs in our body. They are eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin. It is of paramount importance that one sees good things, hears good, smell good, develop taste for the good things to eat and use skin to know what not to feel. Mahatma Gandhi realised this and proposed a simplistic 3 Monkey demonstration. During Sri Krishna's exposition of Bhagvat Gita to Arjuna, all the surroundings were symbolic. Being a charioteer to Arjuna, Sri Krishna was holding the reins to 5 horses which symbolised that one needs to use senses to forge ahead in life. If you let the horses lead you, it may run astray or in 5 different directions. To move towards your goal you must employ senses wisely and with full awareness.

In addition to the 5 senses there are 3 more in a man. They are emotions, sexual urge and hunger. (Thirst can be aligned with either emotions or hunger). To advance into a spiritual life one must learn to control these too. Being born a human these senses are much more difficult to control and rein in. Hunger is the ultimate. If one can control it, it can be assumed that one's spiritual quest is complete.

POWER OF FAITH

The fields were parched and brown from lack of rain and the crops lay wilting from thirst.

People were anxious and irritable as they searched the sky for any sign of relief.

Days turned into arid weeks. No rain came. The ministers of the local churches called for an hour of prayer in the town square the following Saturday. They requested that everyone bring an object of faith for inspiration.

At high noon on the appointed Saturday, the towns people turned out en-masse filling the square with anxious faces and hopeful hearts. The ministers were touched to see the variety of objects clutched in prayerful hands - holy books, crosses, rosaries.

When the hour ended, as if on magical command, a soft rain began to fall. Cheers swept the crowd as they held their treasured objects high in gratitude and praise. From the middle of the crowd one faith symbol seems to overshadow all the others. A small nine year old child had brought an umbrella.

When you do something in life have complete faith that you will definitely succeed.
Never do anything half-heartedly. Faith is a great foundation to build your life.
Times of India - September 24, 2003

SOME QUOTES!

From humility springs forth creativity. In creativity you can see God.

Virtues which are dying in the present times; patience, humility and contentment. Revive them!.

Remember that when you are ready to lose, you become a winner always.

UNDERSTAND DIFFICULTIES

In the face of unsurountable difficulties, the path to success will always be small and narrow, almost indiscernible. It is only through faith and prayer that this path will be revealed to us. In most cases, you can be sure that this is the only path. On treading through a series of such paths, the broad roads will open up, the light will be shown bright. Till then one has to inculcate patience.

FAITH

St.Teresa wanted to build an orphonage. At that time, she had only three shilings. But she was not in the least worried. She said to those who rediculed her, "With three shillings, Teresa can do nothing. But with God and three shillings, there is nothing that Teresa cannot do." - By Sadhu Vaswani

In your happy moments, Glorify God!
In your difficult moments, Pray to God!
In your quieter moments, Spend time with God!
In your painful moments, Praise God!
Every moment - Draw closer to God!
- by Sadhu Vaswani

RHYTHM

There is Rhythm
in everything
Rhythm in breathing;
in sleeping; in your heart-beat;
in working.
This rhythm is so important
In music, if it goes astray
you hear discordant note.
Never let your rhythm in life
go astray for
this rhythm is an indication
of your well-being;
your strength of virtue
Listen to it always.
Enjoy it always.
It is divine music.

SUCCESS LESSON

When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

Follow the three R's; Respect for Self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions.

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

Spend some time alone every day.

Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

Live a good honourable life. Then, when you get older and think back, you will be able to enjoy it a second time.

Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

- Times of India dated 30/09/2002

WHAT TO PRAY FOR

Sometimes it so happens that we do not know what to pray for. Most of the times we use the opportunity to ask God for some things we want. Is it possible that we can forget ourselves for some time and pray for others out there who may be in need of it at that time?. I am giving below some of the things we can pray for;

PRAY for those suffering with some disease so that they feel less pain.
PRAY for those handicapped in life
PRAY for the poor who do not have food to eat
PRAY for those helping others so that God can give them more energy
PRAY for those who are ignorant
PRAY for those illiterate
PRAY for those who are carrying a lot of burden
PRAY for those children who are orphaned in life
PRAY for those who have lost their dear ones.
PRAY for those who are suffering in life
PRAY for those who are victims of a catastrophe

The following prayers to humans who may be given opportunity to correct themselves
PRAY for those harbouring malice towards others
PRAY for those inflicting harm on fellow humans
PRAY for those serving only their self-interest