Contemplation: Progress

Contemplation: Progress

 

Progress

You are your own greatest asset. Put your time and energy into training, improving and encouraging yourself. Then there will be progress. Self progress can take place when you use all of your existing resources to enable self change.

I am

Neither say "I am nothing" or "I am everything"
Instead say "I am what I am because the One who is making me is with
me"

Personality Radiation

Each thought that we create, every word we speak and every action we perform is responsible for the radiation of non-physical energy or vibration into the universe; towards other people, to the surroundings or the atmosphere as well as to physical nature.

A very important aspect of our consciousness which influences the quality of this vibration is the intention or hidden meaning behind each thought, word and action. When the intention is pure, positive and unconditional, positive packets of the energy of peace, love, good wishes, happiness and truth get transmitted.

People who experience this positive energy from us are reminded of their personal positive qualities, even if these qualities are different from ours, and get inspired to imbibe the same and put them into practice, although this may not even be our conscious intention in the first place, but we just have a general pure, positive, intention towards everything and everyone around us. But this giving off inspiration happens automatically. On the other hand, when the intention is negative and impure, it is as if we bring other people, surroundings and nature down i.e. in a way we absorb positive energy from these entities, instead of filling them.

People, without realizing, will come down from their positive personality state on receiving this energy and become inclined to thinking and speaking against their basic, positive nature; thus it is a negative inspiration. Both are energy exchanges, but one is positive and the other is negative.

The above process happens even when we are quiet, not creating any thoughts and not speaking or performing any actions. Depending on the kind of nature or personality we have, those type of vibrations keep getting emitted from us all the time. The higher the quality of the activity inside the mind and intellect during the day and in general in our life, even if they are inactive at a particular point of time, the higher the quality of the energy radiated at that time. It's as if we are constant spiritual energy radiators and radiate our personality all the time, even while we sleep. The purer our personality, the purer this radiation is.

Soul Sustenance

Saying Goodbye to Anger 

'I expect' is the great illusion, which converts itself into demanding rights without due respect for others. 

Anger in all its forms is a direct result of an expectation not being fulfilled and brings cries (although sometimes silent ones) of “They should have done this, Why did this happen? or Don't you know better?” Disappointment, accusations and demands are violent energies, which we throw around very naturally and easily in our daily life when our expectations are not fulfilled. They are like a burning fire that eats away at our original spiritual qualities, turning them to a dust that pollutes the self and others. 

Instead, let us continue to practise returning our thoughts to the self and remembering our original source of peace. In that experience of deep, natural peace, we will find balance and clarity and the ability to tolerate and adjust to the unexpected. 

One of the keys of meditation practice is to quickly gather our thought energy and take it inside to connect to our original qualities, no matter what may be happening outside, or even inside! 

Let me disconnect from the external and plug in to the internal energies that support me and then I will be able to say goodbye to anger very easily. 

Message for the day

Where there is honesty there is flexibility. 

Expression: When someone challenges the truth of what we are saying we generally tend to argue and prove our point in order to prove ourselves right. When we argue in this way, it only shows our own stubbornness and doesn't help in anyway to reveal the truth. Where silence doesn't help in revealing the truth, argument never will because the other person is not in a position to listen to us at that moment. 

Experience: We need to realise the fact that when the other person is not able to recognise the truth, our arguing will not help in any way. When the truth is with us we need not argue but we only need to wait for the right opportunity to talk what we have to say. When we try to talk when the other person is not in a position to listen to us, it only reveals our lack of flexibility. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Letting go

Contemplation: Letting go

 

Letting go is simply making a decision to no longer allow something from the past to influence your life in the present moment or to reduce your inner sense of peace and well-being.  It is when we hold on to things or to the past that we prevent ourselves from growing. Like a bird, we have to find the courage to let go of a branch in order to fly and discover the true exhilaration of soaring to our highest potential. The less you carry, the further you go. So let go!

Live in the Present

Usually the present is lost in thinking about the past. The past keeps
coming back again and again in the mind, influencing the present too.
So there can be nothing done to enjoy the present. All words and
actions then are totally colored by the past. On the other hand, the
one who is able to free himself from the influence of the past is able
to move positively towards the future. To be free from the influence of
the past it is important to have a powerful consciousness of the
present. It means to forget the past, because the past is no more.
Also there is no worry about the future. When I am able to learn to
live in the present I am able to discover how full it is of peaceful
moments. I am able to experience my own inner potential.

To Be Aware But Not Judgmental

On the path of Raja Yoga meditation (taught by the Brahma Kumaris) there is a saying, "See, but don't see! Hear, but don't hear!" which means to remain aware of all realities, including the negative, but not to focus on them. We get caught up in the negative because we react and the reactions are expressed in the form of judgments, accusations, criticism, or labeling. As soon as we judge or criticize, we put everything into convenient boxes and, just as convenience foods are not always so healthy, such conveniences at the mental and attitudinal level are a great danger, because we mentally seal (close) the fate (destiny) of the person or situation: they are like this and so must be treated accordingly. Unfortunately, this is often done in an unconscious way, which is why Raja Yoga meditation is used to bring such attitudes and behaviors to the surface, conscious awareness.

When our vision and attitude remain judgmental or critical, they do so because there is no input of positivity from the self to encourage or allow a positive change. There cannot be a positive output when there is a negative input.

We often work in this way, wanting others to be better in some way, but, instead of helping them, or having faith in them and seeing their good qualities, we hinder (obstruct) them by concentrating on their past, their weaknesses and their mistakes. Our focus is completely negative, but still we expect them to change for the better!

When our awareness is more detached, rather than focusing on what is wrong, we look at how we can put something right by contributing a positive feeling, or attitude. This anonymous (not known to anyone) contribution is a generous act, which offers a solution, instead of the usual complaints by critical and judgmental people.

Soul Sustenance

The Pledge Of Responsibility 

A very important aspect of progress in the self and my relationships, which we all desire is restoring a sense of responsibility in my inner world, so that by doing that, I and others around me are benefitted. Even on a physical or non-spiritual level, someone who is responsible while playing his/her role or performing his/her duties either in the family, at the workplace or in some other setting e.g. a club group or a team in a particular sport or a social service group, not only feels content with his/her actions himself/herself but spreads ripples of contentment to others and receives similar energy from each one he/she is involved with. In the same way on an emotional or spiritual level, when I start my day I need to remind myself of my responsibility towards myself. I need to remind myself that I am responsible for the choices I make in my life which influence and color everyone around me. So do my thoughts, feelings, the way my personality functions internally and externally the whole day and my responses to people and situations, for all of which I am responsible. 

It is like taking a pledge of responsibility with the self in the morning that today I will not create a single thought, word or action which is against the texture of my innate, positive nature i.e. irresponsible. And what will provide my pledge the much required strength of determination? An injection of positive thoughts, emotions and sanskaras within me in the morning, using a suitable technique of self empowerment like meditation or spiritual study or some other. By taking such a pledge of responsibility and by watering it with the energy of my attention from time to time during the day, I am able to implement it and can make a difference to not only the people around me, but to a lot more than that. In this way, as I change, the world around me changes, because the energy I create in my inner world starts flowing into my circumstances, my interactions, my sphere of karmas, etc. to make them positive, which benefits me in return in the form of a cyclic process. As I take this pledge and abide by it for a few days, I start realizing the immense potential that it possesses. 

Message for the day

Determination enables elevated thoughts to become practical. 

Expression: When we have an aim in our life and are working for it, we sometimes are not able to bring into practice all that we plan to do. We then tend to become disheartened and give up after trying for some time. Thus we lose out on the benefit that our thoughts can bring in our life. 

Experience: In order to put into practice the good thoughts that we get i.e., in order to make our thoughts practical we need to stamp it with determination. Our words should never be 'I'll try', but must always be 'I will do it'. Where there is determination there is victory. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Seeds

Contemplation:  Seeds

Artist: Joseph Banuat : Butchart Gardens

Seeds

Thoughts are like seeds. When they are strong and healthy, words and actions are likewise.

Seeing Positivity

When there is regard for each and everyone, others' specialties are
easily visible. There is appreciation o f each one's specialties.
This appreciation creates a good feeling in the other person. And with
every interaction the other person continues to bring transformation. I
am able to recognize specialties in others when I have regard for them.
I am able to see the positivity even when their negativity is being
expressed. This naturally brings transformation in others and of course
I find my intellect too changing to the positive, because of a long
time of practice of seeing positivity

Self Empowerment

To strengthen the self we need to realize and review our weaknesses or those aspects of life that are holding us back in some way and/or are causing us some sorrow or discomfort. The next step is to use techniques of meditation to remove these weaknesses.

To know your weaknesses, perform the following exercise:

A. Remember the negative times in your life, when you experienced failure. What was the common weakness present in your behaviour at those times?
B. What are the negative or destructive trends in your behaviour because of which you or others experience pain or sorrow?
C. Sometimes certain traits or behaviour of others can arouse a negative response in us. What is that negative response?
D. What are you most frightened of?
E. Now review your answers and summarize. What are your three main weaknesses?

Soul Sustenance

Concentration 

The understanding of the self as a soul is the foundation of all spiritual experience. If you have practiced some form of meditation before, it is likely that you were asked to concentrate on a flower, a dot on the wall, the picture of some great saint, a candle flame or maybe even to endlessly repeat some words, which sometimes, are little understood. To concentrate, I must have a focus that is certain and easy to visualize. In Rajyoga meditation, as taught by the Brahma Kumaris, very simply and naturally, I, the soul, on the wings of my thoughts fly to my eternal and highest home – paramdham, shantidham and experience my original virtues. 

As I begin to practice soul-consciousness, I learn to detach myself from the diverse and difficult situations around me and turn naturally to my home and concentrate on the Father of all souls who resides there. The mind becomes automatically controlled by this flow of peace. With the fundamental understanding of the differences between soul and body, the spiritual and the physical, I begin to meditate. 

Message for the day

To have hope means to have a chance for success. 

Expression: When we encounter failures, we sometimes get so disheartened that we lose hope in both the situations and in ourselves. Instead of seeing the obstacle that comes our way as a turn, we see it as an end and give up trying. So we lose out on our chance for success. 

Experience: Even when things don't seem to be working out right, we must never leave hope. To leave hope means to rule out our chance for success. When we have hope we will keep thinking of new ways for success. We will then surely get cooperation from somewhere or the other and we will be successful. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Silence

Contemplation: Silence

Heart shaped Lake Astore Gilgit Balistan

Silence

Silence calms your heart. It is a balm that heals the wounds of the soul. It strengthens the spirit and takes you to a world without sound where peace reigns.

Value of Time

For the one who knows the value of time, each moment is valuable to be
spent in a worthwhile way. There is an expression of the inner
potentials and powers with each passing second. Not a moment passes by
without recognizing its worth. When I know to value the time that is in
my hands, the present, I will neither be caught up too much with the
past nor with the future. I will be able to enjoy this moment and so
there will never be a dull moment in my life. I will be able to bring
constant progress with each passing second and experiencing success
constantly.

Fears And Dependencies In Relationships (cont.)

With dependency in relationships (as discussed yesterday) we enter into an energy of pleasing others so that they might continue to appreciate us. We base our self-esteem and personal security on the appreciation of these people. We stop acting in a natural, free and spontaneous way because we are worried about pleasing the one from whom we are taking mental, emotional or physical support.

Into this energy of dependence enters fear: fear of losing the support of that person, fear they will get angry, fear that they might not like us any more, fear that they might reject us, etc. That fear is a signal that warns us of our emotional weaknesses and of our lack of self-esteem. Fear brings on a greater inner insecurity, which makes us carry on holding on to that dependence.

There are people who, after entering into a energy of dependence and suffering because of it, leave that relationship with the objective of freeing themselves from the pain it brings about in them. Then they begin another relationship, where they generate the same energy. The solution is not in a change of relationship with another person, although on occasions that might help us. If we don't change this energy internally and if we don't learn to have a solid base of self-esteem, we will continue to depend on the appreciation and affection of others in order to appreciate and love ourselves.

Soul Sustenance

Understanding What Is An Angel (Part 2) 

In Christian mythology, angels are commonly shown as small children with wings – this is symbolic of the fact that angels are very innocent and pure, untouched by vices like anger, greed, lust, ego, hatred, jealousy, etc. (so are children). The purity of an angel is depicted in mythology in the form of an aura of subtle light or a halo around the head. 

An angel’s love for humanity is unlimited, yet it is completely detached as the Supreme. An angel experiences that whatever comes through it in the form of thoughts, words or actions has the effect of blessing other souls, as if it is able to perceive or judge immediately or instinctively what each soul needs and cater to their needs. This act of blessing others is depicted in the form of a magic wand. Angels are commonly shown with magic wands in their hands, with which they shower blessings on others. 

An angel’s thoughts, words and actions are all serving others. An angel is a lighthouse, mighthouse, connected with the Supreme; it radiates the spiritual rays of light and might, the love, peace, happiness and power of the Supreme Soul, to others. 

Message for the day

Perfection comes when there is positivity in thoughts. 

Expression: When we are faced with any weakness of ours, we usually think about it so much that it is totally blown out of proportion and it seems bigger than it actually is. This leads to negative thinking, which in turn doesn't let us work on improving ourselves. We will then just remain the way we are, not being able to bring about progress. 

Experience: What we need to do in order to win over our weakness is to change our focus. Instead of thinking about the weakness, we only need to think, "I am not perfect yet, but I am working towards it and I am slowly improving." With such positive thoughts, our negativity will finish. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Simplicity

Contemplation: Simplicity

 

Santorini, Greece

Simplicity

Peace is simplicity. Simplicity is beauty. Choose a day as your day of simplicity. Speak little, and listen with attention. Do something incognito and nice for a person you are close to. Eat simple and natural food. Create time periods for not doing anything - just walk, look around, live the moment. Have your mind open to a more profound and silent sensitivity. Appreciate each scene and each person as they are. In the evening, write down your discoveries. Observe the state of your mind.

Looking Within

Usually there is only a desire to change others or the situation, when
something goes wrong. There is generally a feeling of being right. So
instead of looking within and trying to understand what is wrong, there
is only blame. Such words discourage others too as they are constantly
made aware of their negativity. Looking within gives me the ability to
understand the importance of bringing about change for the better in
every situation that I am faced with. I am able to recognize the
message that the situation gives me. I am able to use the situation to
better myself and gradually progress towards the vision of perfection
that I have for myself.

Fears And Dependencies In Relationships

Relationships are a source of support for our life, or at least, they should be. Relationships should ideally be an exchange of happiness and love. Peaceful relationships are the foundation from where we create, generate and carry out shared endeavors (efforts). Thanks to cooperation, we achieve our objectives.

When people are asked about what the different causes of stress, worries and suffering are, one of the main answers is relationships. Relationships have become a cause of ties (bondage) and pain. Instead of trust it seems fear dominates in relationships. In a relationship of love - be it family, be it friendship - due to emotional weaknesses and a lack of self-esteem, in order to learn to love ourselves we need another person or people to value us, to appreciate us, to need us, to love us. Even so, we do not manage to learn to love ourselves and we continue to depend on and worry about the opinion of others, what others might say, think or feel about us. You fear the answer of others; you fear they might say something that hurts you. These fears arise out of the emotional dependence on this person or these people. And they (fears) prevent us from developing and expressing all our potential, meaning that we stop being ourselves and we fear sharing ourselves openly.

(To be continued tomorrow ...)

Soul Sustenance

Understanding What Is An Angel (Part 1) 

When I have the consciousness that I am a soul, a non-physical being of light, acting through the physical body, even others begin to notice. This is what the angelic stage is. By remaining in this angelic, soul-conscious stage, others will also feel a sense of lightness and upliftment in my company. Angels are thought to be mythical creatures who have a human form with wings, who are always in the company of God and help Him in guarding and protecting other souls. Actually, angels are human beings with divine qualities. 

Angels are always shown with wings. One of the wings of the angel is symbolic of spiritual knowledge, which it has received from God; the other is symbolic of spiritual qualities and powers, which it has inculcated, through the power of meditation or a spiritual connection with God. The wings of an angel also symbolize the lightness and freedom of such souls. With such wings the angel flies constantly in the company of God. Its lightness and freedom is because it has no bondages or attachments in the physical world; all the chains have been broken. Because angels has the absolute and constant support of the Supreme Being they can be the support and protectors of many others, by sharing with them, spiritual knowledge, qualities and powers, which they possesses. 

An angel is the right hand of God in the task of world transformation (change). The language which it uses to bring about this transformation is spiritual silence; positive, powerful and pure thoughts along with sweet words full of spiritual knowledge, all of which have the effect of uplifting others. 

(To be continued tomorrow…) 

Message for the day

Faith enables one to bring solutions to problems. 

Expression: When problems come, we tend to overreact to it or exaggerate it to such an extent that it becomes a trap for us. Instead of working on the problem we fall a prey to it making all our thoughts negative. Once we are caught up in negativity we will neither look for, nor find solutions. 

Experience: Each thought of ours is important when working on a problem. Instead of making our thoughts negative, we need to remind ourselves that what we are going through is a test which we must pass with honour. When we have this thought, all our energy will be focussed on working to bring a solution. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Lightness

Contemplation: Lightness

 

Double Rainbow Over Great Sand Dunes

Lightness

By seeing the defects of others you will become tired. By seeing only what is good you will feel light.

Detachment

The one who is detached is able to watch each and every scene with a
neutral state of feeling. So he is able to act quickly and take the
right decision in a second. He is not caught up with the situation so
he is able to look at things with the right perspective. He is also
able to make use of the available resources to better the situation.
When I am detached I am able to be free from the negativity of the
situation. I am cool and calm even in the worst situation. My
detachment gives me the courage and strength to act to the best of my
ability in the given situation. I neither jump to conclusions nor do I
move away, but am able to give my best.

Meaning And Application Of Virtues

Take one of the following virtues (qualities) per day and spend five minutes thinking about its meaning and its application during the day.

A. Harmony (Unity)
B. Forgiveness
C. Trust
D. Flexibility
E. Courage
F. Gentleness
G. Freedom
H. Understanding
I. Benevolence (Kindness)
J. Patience
K. Enthusiasm
L. Tolerance
M. Serenity (Peacefulness)
N. Co-operation
O. Generosity
P. Humility (Egolessness)

Soul Sustenance

Soul Power over Role Power (Part 3) 

Continuing from yesterday’s message, the remaining components of soul power are: 

The power of good wishes, desires and feelings full of love for others, while coming in contact with them. These type of feelings will bring good wishes in return from the other to you, which will not only empower you, but will also assist your physical role on a subtle level. 

The power of complete purity and cleanliness in thoughts, words and actions - A state where one is not under the influence of vices like anger, ego, attachment, greed, hatred, jealousy etc. 

The 8 main powers - the power to tolerate, accommodate, face, pack up, discriminate (or discern), judge (or decide), withdraw and co-operate – their implementation on an internal and external level i.e. not only in words and actions, but also on a thought level. Where there is lack of any of the above powers inside me, there will definitely be waste and you will be weakened, which reduces the probability of success of your role. 

The power of truth or spiritual wisdom - A state where the self has deeply realized and understood eternal truths of the soul, the Supreme and the Law of Karma and has drawn immense amount of power and experience from that knowledge. The power of physical knowledge would fall under role power, which has been explained earlier. 

By focusing on each of the above components of soul power and those explained in yesterday’s message, by giving them more weightage and using them along with the components of the role, which were mentioned in the message before that, one can experience the desired success in any role in any sphere of life very easily without much effort. 

Message for the day

Self-respect increases when one learns to converse positively to the self. 

Expression: The usual way to talk to the self is to talk to the most superficial aspects of the personality, those which are related to fears (including those of the future), complaints and mindless repetition of things in the past. Such talk to the self only lowers the self-respect to a great extent. 

Experience: Not only when our mind is going towards waste and negative, but at all times, it is important that we talk to the mind with love, as we would talk to a child. Like a mother would lovingly explain to the child, we need to teach our mind with love. This creates true happiness within and our self-respect increases. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Responsibility

Contemplation: Responsibility

 

Responsibility

Let me take responsibility for myself and not have expectations of others.

Mercy

The one who is merciful always has the feeling of helping those who are
in need or in distress. He puts in effort to relieve others of their
pain. He is able to bring about transformation in others too because of
his own pure feelings. He is able to put in effort that becomes a
contribution for the progress of others. When I have mercy for others,
I am able to accept their feelings, emotions and behaviour and provide
them with the right kind of mental support. Then I am able to give them
courage without being influenced negatively with their feelings of pain
and sorrow. So my mercy influences myself positively too as I am able
to keep myself positive under all circumstances.

The Pledge Of Responsibility

A very important aspect of progress in the self and my relationships, which we all desire is restoring a sense of responsibility in my inner world, so that by doing that, I and others around me are benefitted. Even on a physical or non-spiritual level, someone who is responsible while playing his/her role or performing his/her duties either in the family, at the workplace or in some other setting e.g. a club group or a team in a particular sport or a social service group, not only feels content with his/her actions himself/herself but spreads ripples of contentment to others and receives similar energy from each one he/she is involved with. In the same way on an emotional or spiritual level, when I start my day I need to remind myself of my responsibility towards myself.

I need to remind myself that I am responsible for the choices I make in my life which influence and color everyone around me. So do my thoughts, feelings, the way my personality functions internally and externally the whole day and my responses to people and situations, for all of which I am responsible.

It is like taking a pledge of responsibility with the self in the morning that today I will not create a single thought, word or action which is against the texture of my innate, positive nature i.e. irresponsible. And what will provide my pledge the much required strength of determination? An injection of positive thoughts, emotions and sanskaras within me in the morning, using a suitable technique of self empowerment like meditation or spiritual study or some other.

By taking such a pledge of responsibility and by watering it with the energy of my attention from time to time during the day, I am able to implement it and can make a difference to not only the people around me, but to a lot more than that. In this way, as I change, the world around me changes, because the energy I create in my inner world starts flowing into my circumstances, my interactions, my sphere of karmas, etc. to make them positive, which benefits me in return in the form of a cyclic process. As I take this pledge and abide by it for a few days, I start realizing the immense potential that it possesses.

Soul Sustenance

Soul Power over Role Power (Part 2) 

Continuing from yesterday’s message, the various components of soul power are: 

The power of inner silence or the silence of my mind - Silence is a power. The fewer the thoughts in my mind and the more powerful, positive, peaceful and focused they are, the more my mind will contribute to the success of the role on a subtle level. My silence is regularly tested when faced with negative situations or obstacles. The more successful I am in maintaining this stage in such situations, the more is my treasure of silence collected over a period of time and the more positive the influence of this silence will be on my physical role and the success of various tasks connected with the role. 

The power of inner and outer carefreeness, happiness and contentment - Happiness not only inside but also giving others an experience of the same through my face, my eyes, my words and actions full of lightness and enthusiasm, etc. while coming in contact with them. Ensuring I am content with myself and others and also others are content with me. Regular periods of discontentment or unhappiness either within me or in my relationships affect the success of my role adversely. 

In tomorrow’s message, we shall explain the remaining components that make up soul power. 

Message for the day

True respect comes not from what one does but how well it is done. 

Expression: Respect is usually associated with what one does, i.e., it is usually associated with position, status etc which is associated with the job. When there is such an attitude, there is a tendency to look at the people around in a superficial way, missing out on recognising their true worth. 

Experience: We need to recognise the fact that true respect comes from doing well whatever is being done. We need to recognise each one's virtues and qualities revealed through the behaviour. This enables us to have true respect for others. We then no longer look at what one is doing as important, but will be able to appreciate each and every one's contribution. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/