Me, my Guru – Bhagavatam – Bhaktha Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap

 

Contd....

Me, my Guru – Bhagavatam – Bhaktha Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap

Guru was afraid – if the king knew the acts of Prahlad through other sources, Hiranyakashyap may presume that the Guru had taught young Prahlad all this. That would mean death to the Guru. Guru was not ready to face that punishment. So, he took Prahlad to the Hiranyakashyap and complained that Prahlad was adamant in stating Lord Vishnu as the Saviour God of this World.

Hearing all these complaints, Hiranyakashyap was amused. He felt his son was too young to understand the wrong done by him. So, he took him near and with lots of love tried to explain how Lord Vishnu was the enemy of Daityas and how Hiranyakashyap was the God of this Earth. 

But young Prahlad who was just 7 years was sure of his knowledge. He didn’t bat an eye. With an innocence of a 7year old, he corrected his father and said, “Yes father, being a parent you are my God. Because as per shashtra, every parent is a God to his child. But, God of this Universe, of you and me is the one and only – Lord Vishnu”.

Hearing this Hiranyakashyap lost it and started shouting. Yet, Prahlad didn’t fear him. He didn’t change his stand.

As time passed Hiranyakashyap lost his cool and forgetting the fact that Prahlad was his only son, asked his soldiers to kill him by throwing him from the mountaintop. They followed his orders. Prahlad kept chanting the “hari nama” (Divine name of Lord Vishnu). Prahlad was saved. He was brought to Hiranyakashyap. He was enraged. He changed the means to kill Prahlad 7 times. And each time Prahlad was saved.

Not once did Prahlad slip and feel “How can my father hate me so and try to kill me in such cruel ways?”

He was immersed in his bhakthi so much that he was filled with only thoughts and feelings of love for Lord Vishnu. That ‘love’ for the Divine became his protecting shield that protected him. The moment we see the person who is being cruel, selfish, and hurting towards us, we get bound by the Laws of the Universe and Karma. That becomes our seed for pain and suffering.

Contd....

# Me my Guru series, Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap, Bhagavatam, Bhaktha and samsari, materialistic and spiritual person, devotee, devotion, God protects those who trust him, God's grace, 

also read suggested https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2015/04/ravanas-previous-birth.html 

Questions answered in the link:

Who was Hiranyakashyap?

How hating God brings you close to HIM?

What does chanting the name of God do to us?

If chanting the  God's name brings us closer to God, then when we chant the name of people whom does go close to?

Stories in the blog and their interpretations!

 

Stories in the blog and their interpretations!

Stories especially those from Vedic Itihaasa (Hindu scriptures) are told to you to drive home one point which is usually explained in the post one way or the other!

But that explanation need not be the ‘be all’ of those stories.

That is the beauty of all these stories from any scriptures. They are a treasure trove of knowledge!

Once you complete reading the post – read it once again – just the story part without the explanation given by me. Then sit in silence with the story. Or, if your life is too busy, carry the story with you with you all through the day. Ruminate (mananam) on it! Keep thinking about it. and see how you understand it. see how that understanding can be infused into your life and your personality. Come back and share with others.

Every time you come back or go back to the story, you’ll find a different perspective – that is if you’ve been in sadhan. If you've healed enough, your understanding will surely change for the better. And with that changed understanding, you’ll be able to understand the story better this time!

Every person’s understanding is subject to his level of consciousness. So be with it. be with healing. Then infuse every understanding into your life and keep growing. And as you keep applying that understanding to your life and also keep healing your attitude, the level of consciousness will shift – for the better.

This is one wonderful way to enjoy and grow on this path!

So now, how do you wish to sum up?

So, what did you get from this?

BTW, a totally routine question - does my writing all these stories help you in any way?

Do they help you in any way?

Does it show you a way out of your pain?

Does it help to navigate through your life easily?

Concluded...

****

# Me My Guru series, understanding the blog and its posts, 

also read suggested https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/search?q=how+to+understand+this+blog

Metta Day!

 

Metta Day!

I see some of you feeling bad for you feeling left out of this meditation!

Some, for reasons beyond control, couldn’t meditate between noon to 2 pm yesterday!

So, for those who felt left out and who want to take part in this mass healing – let’s make some minute changes.

Let’s meditate for 15-30 minutes daily for the next month. Let’s do this till 22^nd April 2024. As already mentioned, you can do any of the techniques already mentioned in the previous post on the same. “https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2024/03/world-metta-day-22nd-march.html…”

Now, regarding the time – Let's do it at noon and then at 9.30 pm. Those who are at home can do at noon and others well, 9.30 pm would be ideal for you.

Some of you may not find both times conducive for your sadhan.

Well, then you do it any time of your day. But, just do sadhan. That is important and not the time at which it is done.

I see only a few expressing the desire to participate in the blog. Well, to them, I will send a message about the technique we will be doing en masse – if they also mention that they would want to do so!

Others, you don’t openly come out in the blog, you can follow your schedule.

Next is the question – why do this at all?

Read the link given above to read the origin of this meditation. If the spirits of the forest can be changed from being “unwelcoming” to “welcoming” spirits, what to say of humans?

So, we need to send ‘love, kindness and benevolence” to all especially to ones in our lives so that we can live a life that we so desire – one where we can have good and loving relationships with all near and dear ones! And the start towards the fulfillment of this desire would be at least one of the parties in a relationship realizing the importance of healing needed. Then that person needs to put that understanding into action. And for that, we need to do active participation – that would be doing meditations to increase the energies of love and benevolence in ourselves and all in our lives!

*************

# metta day, metta meditations, meditation, on love, healing hurt, anger, resentment, working towards love, increasing love energies, healing the earth, healing self, kindness, compassion, heal the karma, karma, 

also read on love previous post: https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/search?q=on+love+-+Bhagavatam 

 

Christmas 2023

Christmas 2023

Come Christmas all one can think about is cakes, carols and Christmas tree. But, is that all it is about?

All these acts of festivities are the body of the Christmas. But what about the spirit of the festival?

And did you know that Christ was not born in December? December 25^th was celebrated to celebrate the winter solstice and to celebrate the birth of the Sun God. Later when Roman empire got baptized it changed this day when days would start getting longer as the “birth day of Jesus”. So, you see, a tradition doesn’t necessarily reveal or reflect the “Truth” after all! And to think, we fight all wars in the name of religion and traditions? Think about that!

To get to know the spirit of any religion or tradition we need to look into the person who started it. Know his spirit and find out what are the characters that shaped his essence. Jesus was driven by character traits of – forgiveness, being sensitive to the poor and needy, belief in the Almighty and working as an instrument to fulfill the command/desire of the Divine. He didn’t have any personal agenda to cater to. He forgave even the people who nailed him to death. His heart bled for the suffering and he would do anything to alleviate them of their suffering.

Now, when we eat the cake, are we also looking at these qualities that define Jesus? Are we invoking the Christ within us? Only if we do, is the real celebration of Christmas. It doesn’t matter which religion you follow. It doesn’t even matter with which name you refer to your God. But, Rigveda says “Aano bhadro krtavo yantu viswatah” meaning “Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions” – This is a Vedic Mantra from Rigveda 1:89. 1. So let’s live our Seer’s desire to receive good from all directions.

And is not forgiveness, working for the downtrodden, and being instrument of the Lord basis of our Sanatan Dharma?

May be we can’t imbibe all these qualities in toto in our lives, but we can have them as our road map. We can work towards them, one step at a time. And as Reiki Sadhak’s we have our techniques to develop these qualities. So this Christmas, let’s do them.

Let’s do charity – at least to one person (not to your maid or driver). Let’s do it to someone unknown to us – even just one packet of food (even fruits will do if you can’t cook). If you have a kid at home, let it be done through their hands. Let’s teach them young the concept of sharing with the needy.

You can also give your old clothes to the street children.

Now with the winter that is killing many, donate at least old blanket to one person.

All the suggested options are doable by one and all. I am not asking you to do it in lakhs. So everyone can do this! If you are on facebook/social media site, post your pic donating and start a “Share to care challenge” or "Christmas spirit challenge" . Ask others to do the same and ask them to post their pics too….this way each one doing charity even to one person we can make a huge difference in real time.

Meditate on “surrendering to Reiki/God” one minute a day.

Kuch alag karthe hai, is saal….let’s do something different this year – let’s bring home Christ this year!!!

*****

Christmas, Jesus, forgiveness, essence of festival, December 25th, celebrating festivals, 

also read: https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/search?q=christmas 

 

Forgive doesn't mean forget - always!

 

Forgive doesn't mean forget - always!

Healing a relationship doesn’t mean accepting them back in our life. No! not always. It depends on the harm the other has caused us and others in our lives. Sometimes, it is an irreparable loss. When we heal, we don’t let them enter our lives. We just forgive them. Not because they deserve it, but because we deserve so much better than them in our life. As long as we are stuck with resentment towards them, we can’t move forward, so we heal ourselves. We heal and forgive them. So that, we can move forward – without them too in many cases. But that doesn't mean we forget what they did or who they are and bring them back to life. Sometimes, these people won't and don't want to change and they can only harm us in every way possible. Then, forgive them but don't bring them back in life. Forget them too but not the lesson they taught you. 

We have forgiven them. They no longer harm us emotionally. They can’t hurt us in our memory with what they did to us. That’s where it all ends. We also can bless them for a better clarity of thought in their life. But then, that ends there, for some relationships. If we have healed completely that relationship and learned all that we need to from it then we move on from them. If we have cleared our debts with them, then they no longer are part of our present life and next life too for sure. They fall off our lives as a ripe fruit falls off the tree it is held to. However much the fruit wants to hold on, it can’t. Even if the tree wishes to hold on to it, it can’t. That’s nature! So is the case with relationships too.

So don’t worry about those relationships that are bitter and painful. If you are holding on to your side of healing sincerely and without any malice in heart, then once the debt is cleared and the lesson learned, they move on. But, if you are still full of hatred for them, you’ll be wedded to them not only in this life but also in next lives to come. In this life even if you move away from them after a bitter fight, if you haven’t healed, then they will enter your life for sure either in this life or the next life – for sure – till you have healed it completely. This syllabus is something that no one can cheat on.

So, the sensible ones heal and get it over with in this very life so that they don’t have to face the same painful relationships again in any of their future lives.

************

   # forgiveness, toxic relationships, intent, on love, being abused and calling it love, forgive but don't forget, mindfulness, know themselves, who are you, compassion, self-love, peace of mind, disturbing emotions, disturbing mind, disciplined mind, calmness within, 

also read suggested: https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-mystic-says-on-forgiveness.html    

Points to ponder:     

• Forgiveness is a must for our growth. 
• Forgiveness is not a word. It is an action word. It takes years at times to forgive what one has done to us. Some can forgive with just a thought and a little understanding. But all that depends on the individual. 
• To forgive we need to work on our hurt, resentment, anger and related feelings and emotions, every single day of our life. We need to heal them layer by layer. But commitment to heal should be our ultimate resolve.
• To forgive doesn't mean act as if nothing happened. It may not happen in some cases. Then move on, just don't carry the hurt within and hatred for that person/s. That is called forgiveness.
• Never forget what that person has done and don't let that person enter your life again - if that person is toxic and hasn't changed for better.
• Accept the other person only if he genuinely seeks forgiveness and pleads for it. He should repent his actions and words. Then such person can be taken back in your life.
• If the person is not shameful for what he said or did, then DON'T take him back. 
• The one who takes him back should be so strong that he is not hurt by the other's actions which will eventually be hurting him once again - as he hasn't changed for better. 

Read to know further on this topic : https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2020/01/on-hindi-poems.html

      

On receiving for healing and growing!

 

On receiving for healing and growing!

We all are healing and maybe many of us have been healing for a decade or more!

Sometimes or no, many times question is posed - "my work is pending and my desire is not getting fulfilled. Where is all my healing going?"

When we heal certain areas of our life (now this area is not chosen by any of us - we just are healing as per schedule), certain baggage or psychic impressions or vikaras as we call them get healed. When that happens for a considerable amount, we get to see that we have developed clarity of thought! Even we may not realize that! But, the way we talk, we think and the way we conduct ourselves change for the better. We are able to behave "the right way" even without making a conscious effort! And it reflects in the way we respond to the situations and people in our lives. 

This is reflected very clearly in this case - read the comment https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2023/09/on-receiving-for-giving-and-sharing.html?showComment=1694788155868 

and https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2023/09/on-receiving-for-sharing-and-giving.html?showComment=1694821349556 ...

Read the same persons response in similar situations some time back. It was same as everybody else...but, now she has realized that when we receive we should give... we should pay back to the Universe....this is not told. This is on her own. That is the benefit of all the healing done.

Look in your lives. You will see how your behaviour has changed for better in various areas and with various people. That is your growth. That is the biggest achievement that you can fall back on. That is the result of all your healing! And you and ONLY YOU will reap the benefit of this change in you.

Don't let this post depress you or feel bad about yourself. Don't compare yourself with the other too! Just use this as an indicator to see how it reflects in your life and its situations.

Everyone is wounded. Everyone is healing! There is nothing wrong with being wounded. But, it certainly is stupidity if we justify ourselves being wounded. It is awful if we stay wounded by being ashamed of ourselves or seeking pity for ourselves. Don't let these emotions cloud or stop your growth. 

Notice who you are truly! Then own it up! And then work on areas you are not comfortable with yourself using various techniques. And before long you will be the person you'll fall in love with! And then begins the most beautiful love story of your life! 

August of 2023 - Sadhan

 

August of 2023 - Sadhan

Come August and the whole year lights up – especially in this part of the World. In India, all festivals line up from August and it is a very happening and joyful period of the year.

For Reiki channels around the world, it is a month worth celebrating as our Guruji’s birthday is celebrated on August 15.

The same day is India’s Independence Day! Wow! Double celebrations for Indian Reiki channels.

As with every year, let’s do something to express our joy.

This year –

a.      Let’s chant “Om gurubhyo namaha” 108 malas spread throughout this month till 5th September. Share the number of malas that you have changed in blog.

b.     Those who are unable to do the same, chant the same for atleast 5/10mts daily. Even that is good enough.

 

And

a.      Earth Healing 15mts daily at least till 15^th August and those who can do for the entire month.

b.     Share your experiences/ commitments/ completions of the same in blog with others – if you care!!!

*****      

Previous posts worth visiting on this topic : https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/search?q=august+15th 

# 15th August, Dr.Mikao Usui's birthday, gratitude, being grateful to your Guru, on giving back to the ONE who has given all, ways of giving /returning to the person who made a huge impact/ difference in our lives....

                         

Reflections – On change and growth

 

Reflections – On change and growth

The other day, one Reiki Channel from abroad called me. The weather there was around below 0 dg temperature. RC told me it would even go to -20 dg C. It was a bit confusing for me. How can an Indian who is used to 40dg temp cope with such low temperatures? But, when that RC explained it became clear to me. RC said “The first couple of weeks, of course, it was difficult – but with the right clothing it didn’t affect so much. Moreover, I was excited about the change, etc. In my second year, I was able to go about in normal clothing like the locals here even in 2 dg C. I am used to this cold now. It’s the ‘heat’ I am not able to bear. I realized that when I had to go to another part of this country which was way hotter than the place I live in, I realized how I am finding heat unbearable now!”

That was quite a revelation.

I found the same explanation from people who have come from North to South of India and vice-versa – always! So, our body does have capacity way beyond our ‘assumption’. It’s the mind that fears the facts, but the body, well it adapts to the new conditions pretty effortlessly. Those who let go of the processing, enjoy the change, it is not all that bad. They don’t suffer though everyone has to endure the effects of every change. 

But the person who sticks to his preferences, choices, and tastes suffers a lot. His pain is way higher than it needs to be! He also suffers from the changing way longer than others. His complaints are more. His ‘good moments’ are less. And who is responsible for all this?

This not only applies to weather or climate but also to relationship status, physical comforts and needs, aging, change of job and its’ profile etc etc….take a moment and see which change frightens you the most. See which change affects you more? In the past, what were the incidents that affected you which involved a change of any kind?

Contd.....

# on change, change and growth, every change has some good in it, on impermanence, change is for real, on life, 

read suggested:https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2021/07/fact-about-world.html

Points to ponder:

• Change is inevitable. It has to happen whether you like it or not. So instead of focusing on what can't be changed, think about what can be done with this change in life.
• Change is inevitable, but growth is optional!

Questions to work on:

• What is the change that is painful to me and why?
• Is there something called as 'unchanging' in life?

Selflessness - an attitude worth practicing!

 

Selflessness - an attitude worth practicing!

Selfishness that damages our soul, our life and our relationships is not even recognized by most of us – most of the times! We use ‘convenient words’ to describe it and get away with our attitude. The words and logic we use are ‘but as spouse/parent/employer etc he/she is supposed to do na maam…’, ‘I am only asking what everyone has…???!!’

I am sure you can help us with few of your observations in this..

Now is the time to practice ‘selflessness’ in small ways for a start…

Respect a person and give him space when he says/requests to be left alone…don’t keep pestering them with messages/phones in the name of ‘but I am in pain etc..’ 

Contd.....

# selfishness, selflessness, love, on relationships, giving and receiving, abundance, character, attitude, 

also read previous post : https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2018/11/on-children_18.html 

those who didn't do that exercise can do it now....

and those who did it too can redo that exercise now to notice where you have changed if any....

time to ponder :

How has someone's selfishness effected you in the past?

What was it about them and their act that hurt you the most?

What was the selfless act of someone /others that touched you the most?

How do you feel about someone who had cared for you?

How do you connect with someone who had been selfless in your life especially with you?

When you come across a selfless person what is the thought that comes to your mind? How do you feel about him? Look at your emotions that you have for that person?

Compare both the situations and see what is right and what feels good...

Now choose how you want to be in your relationships especially with your family and near and dear ones.....