Me, My guru – Bhagavatam - On the lost city of Dwaraka!

 

Me, My guru – Bhagavatam - On the lost city of Dwaraka!

Our Guru came, straight to the class, sat down, and started straight away “Krishna had a maternal uncle named Kamsa. He was the ruler of Mathura. Krishna’s mother was Devaki. Devaki was Kamsa’s sister. Thus, Kamsa was Krishna’s uncle. Kamsa loved his sister – Devaki a lot. But, a heavenly voice predicted that Devaki’s eighth born would kill Kamsa.

Kamsa was alarmed. He was a very powerful king. With great power comes greater ego, arrogance and fear. Due to that fear, he decided to kill Devaki. King Vasudeva was Devaki’s husband. He was no match for Kamsa in power. So, he pleaded with Kamsa to take them as prisoners. He argued, “Devaki’s 8^th born is destined to kill you. So, why kill Devaki. I’ll give you our 8^th born. Do what you please to do with that kid”.

Kamsa saw reason in that argument and took them prisoners. When the child was born to Devaki, Kamsa didn’t wish to take any chance and killed it. Thus, he killed every child born to Devaki and Vasudeva.

But, when the 8^th child was born he was smuggled by his father, Vasudeva out of the prison and left in his friend’s house – Nanda Gopal. Nanda’s wife had given birth to a girl child. Vasudeva and Nanda swapped the children. Now, Nanda’s girl child was shown as Devaki’s 8^th born to Kamsa.

Contd....

# Me My Guru series, Bhagavatam, Krishna accepts the curse, destruction of Yadavas, the lost city of Dwaraka, curse and blessings, fate and destiny, karma, as we sow so we reap, cause and effect, 

also read suggested  https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2009/03/oh-god.html

Suggestion worth understanding and applying every single time you read this blog - Look at the quotes/images very particularly. 

Not all of your questions are found in the written post. 

Some of your questions are answered via images.

Read the images/quotations more than once. You'll find your answer. You will find the solution to your problem. You will find a reason to rest your mind. You will find a way to come out of that agitated mind too!

They are not some random images. They are chosen for a reason.

Me, My guru – On keeping healthy

 

Contd....

Me, My guru – On keeping healthy

“Just take a bath 1 hour before going to bed. Meditate after taking a bath for say 15mts in the least. Do not use phones, TV, or any gadgets. Just relax – reading a book or listening to music before going to bed” replied our Guru.

“Just that?” asked Vaishnav surprised.

“You wanted a simple solution right?” asked our Guru.

He nodded his head. He was beaming with joy.

We were dumbstruck. Did she really give an answer to such a question too? Why? How? But…we were lost.

She just smiled and continued the class.

We didn’t dare ask any further questions. If she had answered so immediately and so confidently, then it must work!!!

All we had to do was take a bath in the evening – but 2-2 ½ hours after eating. And also that we need to wait for an hour before going to bed after bath. So, we just had to time our bath accordingly! Such a simple routine – good on so many levels and yet….

Even Covid has taught us the importance of taking a bath after coming back from office/outdoor activity. But, we stopped it when Covid fear vanished!

Why couldn’t we stick to our ‘good habits’ even in good times? Did we always need external compulsive force to follow the ‘right way of living’? was it the reason we had to face such ‘hard situations’ in life? I wondered!

Concluded....

***  

# good habits, living right, lifestyle and diseases, disease-free life, attitudes, being healthy, age-old traditions of India, rituals of India, 

read related posts on this topic: 

Points to ponder and questions answered:

• What are the simple daily routines that can help us lead a trouble-free life?
• How to make our daily routine conducive for our spiritual life?

Pointers to understand the post - in the next post.......

Maarne waale se bachchane wala badaa hai!

 

Contd...

Maarne waale se bachchane wala badaa hai!

And many times, these are the people who are dear and near ones in our lives. They mostly are our family and friends.

And most dangerous one of all is our own ‘ego’ that is trying to kill our connection with our soul.

And in every situation, ALWAYS remember that the Creator and Saviour is much much more stronger than all the evildoers of our life!

Every time, such toxic people do hard work in your life or you face some tough time say the following prayer – again and again….to build your trust!

 “Maarne waale se bachchane wala badaa hai!

ALWAYS remember that the Creator and Saviour is much much more stronger than all the evildoers of our life! So, what is it that I am afraid of?

Why am I afraid?

Am I saying or believing that these people who are just as mortal as me are greater than Reiki/God/Creator who created me and them and the entire Universe?

Does HE not save the ‘right’ from ‘wrong’ ALWAYS?

Don’t you believe that EVERYTHING that happens happens with HIS permission only?

If so, why bother about what the people of this World are doing or saying about you – that is as long as what you are doing is right?”

Concluded.....

********

# saviour vs killer, enemy vs protector, Power of God over the people of this World, trust, surrender, belief, 

also read further on this topic https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2017/12/me-my-guru-on-gratitude_19.html 

Suggest previous posts that would reflect the thoughts reflected in this post....

Did this post benefit you?

What did you take from this post?

Did it help you to address your problem and fear?

Was it useful in addressing your present issue?

Reflections – On fear of missing out – FOMO!

 

Contd....

Reflections – On fear of missing out – FOMO!

Take a pause! Understand what these activities mean to you!

Understand why you want to do them!

Understand your priorities correctly and then assign right place and amount of time for them accordingly.

Don’t compare with others. Their priority is not same as yours.

Always remember, you’ll always miss something or the other.

You can never have it all! NO ONE  can ever have it all!

Don’t let ‘greed’ play with your mind. That is the cause of your stress. Check that out and let it go. Breathe! You don’t need to own it all!

Let go of the “fear of missing out – FOMO”! First, become aware of the fact that we have “FOMO”. Next, accept it. Don’t justify it! Just accept it. And then, let it go!

You need to live and experience that which is within your comfort zone completely and with ease – now! 

Chase and work for only things that matter to you!

Work for things that really mean everything to you!

It’s ok to not chase some. But are you with what you are doing right now?

Only that is within your control. Only that attitude will make you stress-free. Only that practice will give you joy, happiness and calmness will descend on you eventually!

Let go of need and greed to possess al!

Let go of need and greed to do all!

Thoda hai, thode ki zaroorat hi hai…

There’s little and only little is needed……

This is the “SECRET of fulfilling life!”

(But applying it wrongly to sadhan will mess up your priority list - remember that!)

Concluded....

**** 

# fear of missing out, on wanting it all, going slow, mindfulness, awareness, being still, real happiness, joy, owning and possessing, abundance, insecurities, possessions, 

also read previous post https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2020/01/poem-by-diane-loomans-on-raising-child.html 

and

https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2022/12/reflections-on-living-moment_01319397480.html 

Question time:

What did you understand from this post?

Where do you propose to use that understanding?

How will this help you in being mindful through the day?

 

Me, my Guru – on Sheikh Chilli, the dreamer!

 

Me, my Guru – on Sheikh Chilli, the dreamer!

Today, everyone seemed restless as I entered the class. And I had thought I was the only one irritated today. But, looking at everyone’s face, it was evident we all had brought our baggage of emotions of frustration, anger, and irritation to the class today. I realized we carried lots of resentment within us. And that was expressed as emotions of frustration, anger and irritation outwardly. 

And the person who was our ‘dumping ground’ – our Guru was sitting adjusting her saree (an attire worn by traditional Indian women). She must be humming some sweet melody, I presumed. I mean where was that smile coming from otherwise? She seemed oblivious to our woes. She was in the middle of and centre of our negativity and yet remained calm, poised, smiling and gentle in her conduct. How? I was to never get that answer, I believe!

Tea was served along with biscuits for all. We drank. But no one seemed to be aware of drinking it. But our Guru was seen relishing it without uttering a single word. I didn’t like it. We were in hell and yet, how can our Guru enjoy her tea and be relaxed? That seemed callous to us. (Callous – being insensitive, heartless, cold, harsh, very cruel)

Contd...

# Me, My Guru, dreamer, sadhan getting boring, expectations and conditions, desires and their fulfillment, situations don't make or break us, disturbing emotions, calmness, beingness, stillness, 

read related posts too https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/search?q=Worm+and+the+elephant+ 

Points to ponder:

"Today, everyone seemed restless as I entered the class. And I had thought I was the only one irritated today. " - We feel everyone is out there to get us when we are filled with fear. We feel the World is a beautiful place when we are joyous from within! It's the same people and the same World and yet, we find them to be different on two different occasions! The reason being our STATE OF MIND! Wouldn't it be easy and useful for us if and if only we worked on our state of mind to make our life easier and happier? Think about it!

"But, looking at everyone’s face, it was evident we all had brought our baggage of emotions of frustration, anger, and irritation to the class today." - Just read this statement as many times as possible! Be with it for a couple of minutes. Go through your past events and your state of mind! Wherever we go, we carry our baggage of emotions with us. And WE DUMP it on the places and people we encounter in our lives. And to think and say that a certain place or person is negative, well is it justified? Every time you meet someone look at the baggage you are carrying and dumping on to that person! Be aware of what you give and then you'll realize why you receive what you receive!!!

"And the person who was our ‘dumping ground’ – our Guru was sitting adjusting her saree (an attire worn by traditional Indian women). She must be humming some sweet melody, I presumed. " - Similar to this situation, it is possible that people dump their negativity on us sometimes in our lives too! But look at that Guru! She is calm and composed even though their energy is so negative! That state is a possibility! Our sadhan should be to reach that state! Our sadhan should be a practice on developing that attitude! Our sadhan should be "to be calm and blissful inspite of circumstances". That is the ONLY PURPOSE OF SADHAN!

"I mean where was that smile coming from otherwise? She seemed oblivious to our woes. She was in the middle of and centre of our negativity and yet remained calm, poised, smiling and gentle in her conduct. How? " - People will be what they are! YOU LIVE AND SHOW WHAT YOU ARE! DON'T let others behaviour DECIDE yours!

Look at the last para where Guru is considered to be callous. Is it true? If yes, why? If no, why? This is exactly how we name others. This is exactly how we judge others!

When to rest?

 

When to rest?

"I have noticed that when I let my emotions rule my sense of purpose, they make me mad. 

I become desperate to have my desires fulfilled. And then, fear grips me. I fear my desire not getting fulfilled. 

I get angry that my desire is not appeased immediately. I become weak. I become adamant. 

Anger takes over my senses. 

And I go berserk. I go mad with desire. Like an elephant that goes mad during the mating season, I go crazy until my desire is fulfilled. 

And, it doesn’t stop there. It takes the next desire and then it goes equally crazy till that desire is fulfilled. And this continues." 

This and such understanding can happen only when we put our minds to rest. And rest means to meditate in silence. 

When such thoughts and emotions drive us crazy, then know it is time to take rest! https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2024/04/time-to-rest.html

When we run behind objects of this world seeking relief from pain, happiness, security, and joy - we only get tired and more restless. So, take a break from your routine. Take a break from running around in circles. Take a break from outside and go within. And even a small break can give you a huge breakthrough from all your problems - sometimes! https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/search?q=After+the+long+silence

# to rest, peace of mind, calmness, mindfulness, awareness, outerworld reflection of inner world, breakdown situations, problems and solutions, mastering self, success begins with self, 

read related posts on similar topic https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/search?q=Me%2C+My+Guru+%E2%80%93+On+Empty+boat 

Question time:

What did you understand as "rest"?

Why should we rest?

How do you propose to rest?

Me, my Guru – on greatest sin!

 

Me, my Guru – on greatest sin!

“There is no greater sin than cowardice; cowards are never saved – that is sure, said Swami Vivekananda. And I have found that to be true in every instance.” Said my guru one day. https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2021/05/sin.html

Even today, when I feel afraid of anything – be it running out of time or not having my wish fulfilled, I remember her words. And then I know, it is not the desire that needs to be appeased. It is my strength to overcome my weakness to have my desire fulfilled that needs to be addressed. And then, as I sit to do it with various techniques taught to me by her, I slowly regain my strength and feel fear go out of the window. https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2009/08/why-me.html

Step by step I work on my weaknesses. Little by little I overcome my fears. Slowly but steadily I gain strength. I am committing less sin than before after all these years. Still working on cowardice, but one day, one day I know I will overcome, one day!!! https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2009/08/on-seva_09.html

Concluded....

*****   

# fear, sin, cowardice, desire is the basis of all sins, weakness, ego, strength, soul consciousness, healing, adamant nature, greed, 

Read the related post https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2016/12/on-love-bhagavatam_12.html

Law and dharma!

 

Law and dharma!

A restraint imposed by the state is “Law”.

A restraint imposed by self is “dharm”.

Sometimes, the state can impose restrain but not often.

We know how to break the Law. That’s why despite breaking many laws people remain free. That is not justice. The law can be broken. But justice is meted by ‘self’ on self. It is governed by the human heart aka consciousness. It operates from within. That is the reason, even when God or Guru forgives your sins or wrongdoings, your Central Nervous System doesn’t – even when you are ‘adamant’ enough to say “I know I am right” or “no one can find fault with me and my actions because of XYZ reasons”.

Only in a society where most of the people are governed by self-restraint, Dharma resides. There, the society and government are just and where most of the people don’t have self-restraint, there society and government are in a state of anarchy! So true!

What a beautiful Idea!

What a complete concept!

What a wonderful World that would be!

Jai ho for that being the way of life in the “Olden days in India” and hence was called the Land of the Dharm where people’s character was pristine.

So, now that we know this, let’s stop blaming others, society, government, Time and fate for being bad. If you want to live in a ‘good and just society/family’ start it with self!

Let’s bring “dharm” into our lives.

Let’s be the change that we seek!

Let’s work towards building a flawless character!

Let’s work towards enshrining Ram within!

Let’s recreate Ram Rajya the right and complete way!

Let’s set an example to the World about what living in Dharm means!

Let's leave behind the World that is safe for our next generations to come!

Note: Those who are living abroad too fall under this ‘yagna’. For you represent “Bharat” to the people of the World out there. Represent it in all its glory by your acharan – conduct!

 

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

# dharm, Vedic philosophy, Law and dharm, National character of the Land called India, character, purpose of life, rules to be followed for walking the path of life, being human, godhood, spirituality, being divine, spiritual journey, 

also read:https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2009/10/character.html 

Points to ponder and questions answered:

• What is "dharm"?
• How to overcome the cycle of good and bad times?
• How to build strength to face tough times in life?
• What is that that protects the man who follows it at all times?
• What is my contribution to Society?
• In what best way can I contribute to the Society?
• As long as one is fearful, one can't follow Dharm. When one follows Dharm, there is no 'fear'. 
• 
  Wherever life has stationed you (as per your karma), just be there with all humility.
• Do your job - even as simple as cleaning your home, with all honesty, sincerity, joy and commitment. That would be living in dharm at that point of time.
• Whatever you do, with whomsoever you live/interact, do it with the utmost kindness, respect, humility, dignity, honesty, joy and integrity of character.
• Come back to your centre as many times as possible per day. Bring peace within and in the place of your residence with your mere presence. That also would be putting dharm to practice. 

• 
  
  
  

Becoming eligible for grace! - By participation!

 

Becoming eligible for grace! - By participation!

Swathi, Kshitija, Aparna, Bhagya, Mona, Sridhar, Udayabhanu - by regularly sharing your experiences/observation/understandings/insights/practices have become entitled to receive Reiki from me - for next ONE WEEK FROM TODAY TILL 8TH ........

Few may get a doubt "What is big about sharing? Why extra reiki to them?"

Well, if you look at the periphery it looks like a very simple and an act not worth mentioning or noticing....but to me, there is 

1. discipline followed - of doing sadhan.

2. Addressing the fear of talking/typing in the foreign language

3. Addressing the fear of expression

4. Appreciating each other and thereby developing the attitude of selflessness, validating the good in other, addressing the jealousy in self

5. Learning and getting inspired by the other's journey and experiences and applying it next time when the chance arises/immediately many times too.....

6. Sharing with others what one knows and has learnt

7. cheering others when they succeed or when they achieve something

8. Encouraging others when they are low, in doubt, or have lost hope...

9. When you share your knowledge/experiences, you realize how much you have the capacity to give. You realize you are so rich that you are able to give to others. You recognise the power of giving that is within you. 

Your one comment can help you address so many of issues in self...and I appreciate you taking this bold step to express yourself through this blog and wanting/trying to overcome your fears and limitations....

Kudos to that and to that jazbaa - sentiment, I am sending reiki validating it, appreciating it and cheering for you....

# sharing, caring, on love, receiving what we want, abundance, overcoming fear, enlarging our world, 

Points to ponder:

Why people who shared this week are receiving? Why not those who did it in the past?

We never know when the doors of the heavens open to shower grace and blessings! We are not entitled to that! We can't demand that! We won't get it by demanding/crying and complaining. We receive it when we are available when the door opens to give. And that's why the old and wise have always said "Be prepared always! Be on the path, doing your job sincerely, honestly, regularly. You can only be doing your job. You never know when HIS grace descends! don't be sleeping when it does! 

|Understanding the keywords right!

 

|Understanding the keywords right!

 

Happiness is the new rich!

Inner peace is the new success!

Health is the new wealth!

Kindness is the new cool!

 

These are the new ways the Western World has opened up to the old words of happiness, peace, health, wealth and cool!

 

Finally, what the Vedantic philosophy has always stood by is being recognised as the key to a successful and fulfilling life!

 

But, what a way to learn?! Do we always have to learn it the hard way, I wonder!

 

We are always blessed by elders as ‘khush raho’ i.e., be happy! ‘We are blessed not to be 'successful’ as much as to be happy…and we thought less of that. But, the world is opening up to this fact that success and opulence of material success does not translate as happiness. So, let’s go within and find our definition of our happiness. That would make our job to make it happen easier. We’ll know what to heal for start.

Next, it’s peace. We have been living under the delusion for long thanks to western influence that controlling our life situations and people in our life is the key to success. We have been made to believe that ‘I’ am the ONLY thing that matters and for that people are to be used. We forgot all the right values in life. And we have paid very heavy price for that! We have lost our peace. We have lost our courage. We are living in fear. We are standing all alone, weak and pathetic! Think about it! 

Contd.....

# happiness, we get what we want, success, ask and it shall be given, 

Questions addressed and points to be noted:

• Do we know the meaning of the words that we utter and use?
• We say something but many times we mean something else altogether. Have you wondered why?
• "Sorry maam, I didn't mean that" is the common statement made when I question your intentions. If you didn't mean it then why did you say so? If there is no clarity between what you say and what you mean then don't you think you are sending wrong messages to the Universe? May be, this is also one of the causes for things going in a certain way in your life??!! 
• Unless  you know the meaning of your words you will not be able to express right. 
• Unless you express right, you don't communicate right.
• Unless you communicate right, you can't have good relationships.
• Unless you have good relationships you can't experience affection, peace and happiness from any of your relationships.
• Take time to know yourself! All other things will follow suit!

Also read suggested: https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2019/03/on-success-and-peace.html