Contemplation: People

Contemplation: People

 

Artist: Harry George Theaker -The Anticipated Letter

People

If you always understand that the people in your life are there for a reason, you will never be angry.

True Non-Violence

Normally we pay a lot of attention not to hurt people physically but
sometimes hurt others through our words. We use words without really
thinking of the consequence and they tend to hurt others. This creates
negativity in others, which in turn affects us negatively too. In order
to bring true non-violence in our life, it is equally important to pay
special attention to what we speak. The basis of this is to change the
pattern of our thinking. If the words shouldn't hurt others we need
to have positive thoughts-thoughts based on good wishes and benevolent
feelings for others.

The Internal Voice Of Our Conscience

At the heart of our consciousness, we have a conscience. Our conscience is essentially our basic awareness of truth. From a spiritual point of view, the truth of who we are as spiritual beings is core and eternal truth. If we consider ourselves to be anything other than soul or spirit then we will be thinking and acting against our conscience, against our truth, which is like going against the essence of spirit. We will feel something is not quite right. If one of the pistons in our car engine is out of sync with the others, the engine will sound slightly different from normal. We immediately have it fixed, because we know that if it continues it may destroy the engine. If we do something that is out of sync with the truth, the voice of our conscience speaks to us. But we tend to ignore or suppress it, especially if we are having a seemingly pleasurable experience - we then create the sanskars or habit of ignoring our own conscience. As a result we keep repeating the negative karma and the sanskars of the negative karma are deepened, further ignoring the voice of our conscience. It is a vicious cycle, to come out of which is extremely difficult.

(To be continued tomorrow ...)

Soul Sustenance

Experiencing The Natural Qualities Of The Soul (Meditation)

This meditation commentary will allow you to experience the natural qualities and nature of the soul. This is what we call soul consciousness.


I sit relaxed and comfortable… I become aware of my breathing…
I become aware of the thoughts passing in my mind…
I bring my mind towards thoughts of myself… my true nature…
Who am I…
I am a tiny sparkling star of light in the center of the forehead… energy, concentrated energy…
I radiate light through my body - my costume…
I feel myself different from the body... A point of light, energy using the body, directing the body…
I am a being of peace… A loveful being…
A being of light… A being of power…. I am light…
I am energy… I am alive, vibrant, sparkling, divine…

Now I use the powers of meditation to serve others:
I am separate from this dense body of matter, my vehicle… I am peaceful and stable…
I am powerful… I radiate the qualities of peace and love to other souls around me…
These are my natural qualities… In my real nature I am tranquil…
Radiating light and love into the world…



Message for the day

To become worthy of blessings means to make success easy.

Projection: Thinking of benefit for the self increases to such an extent that it sometimes takes on the form of selfishness. When we are selfish we stop thinking about others or the effect that our action is going to have on them. Then we are not able to move forward with lightness because the good wishes and blessings of others are not with us.

Solution: In each and every action of ours we need to first check if it is going to be beneficial for us as well as for others. As much as there is benefit for others, too, in the task that we are doing, that much the good wishes of others will be there for the task. With these good wishes we will be able to move forward much faster and achieving success will be easy.


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Get Busy

Contemplation: Get Busy

Cherry blossoms, Fuji Volcano, Japan

Get Busy

Instead of losing sleep over whatever I have done wrong, let me get busy doing something right.

Lightness

When we are faced with any difficulty, we usually tend to carry the
entire burden of it. Although we know that we can do nothing about it
by worrying, we are not able to let go of the feeling of worry, tension
or anxiety. So we tend to retain this burden with ourselves and feel
heavy about it. The way to feel light even during difficult times is to
pass on my burdens to God. When with faith I give the burden to Him, I
begin to experience lightness and this will enable me to search for the
right solutions (that are already within me). When the mind is busy
looking for solutions, it is further able to experience lightness.

Understanding What Is Real Happiness

Real happiness is not an external stimulation by watching an action movie or eating out or buying a new dress; it is not the result of acquiring something - whether it be a new car or a position, or of receiving some good news. True happiness is not relief from suffering - whether from an illness or a difficult situation, nor is it the achievement of a goal - whether personal or professional. All these are externally dependent, where happiness is confused with stimulation, excitement, achievement, acquisition or relief. Happiness is not all of these. You also know that happiness is not a future promise. It can only be experienced now.

So what is spiritual happiness - perhaps a better way to describe spiritual happiness is contentment. This comes from a complete awareness and acceptance of the self as we are now at an internal level, and an acceptance of 'what is' at an external level. Sounds difficult? The highest happiness is bliss which can be experienced only when the soul/self is totally free of all attachment and dependency. Sounds even more difficult? But this is a spiritual understanding and definition of happiness, which is not difficult to accept and make a part of our life, once there is a deep understanding and absorption of spiritual knowledge, but spiritual knowledge which is accurate and complete in all aspects. Spiritual happiness is a direct result of spiritual knowledge. Without complete knowledge of the self, one cannot remain ever and truly happy (happy as per the definition above).

Soul Sustenance

Adding A Spiritual Vibration To My Actions

My quality of yoga or meditation is reflected through the karmas or actions that I perform. If I add meditation in my daily routine, whatever actions I perform, start carrying a different quality or vibration to them. Work itself (whether at home or in the office), far from being a routine affair and just a medium of survival, becomes the basis of real transformation or change. After all, it was through actions that the soul came down from its original, pure, positive state. It is through actions that it can return back to the same state.

It's not just action for the self but action or karma becomes the means through which I can share the experience I have in meditation, with others – be it family members, my colleagues in the office, at the city mall, in the vegetable market, on the street etc. - just about anywhere and everywhere. My meditation isn't an incognito (invisible) process but a very visible one. I can see the results of yoga through my karmas. If my actions are filled with irritation and anger, or are motivated by emotions such as ego, greed, attachment, jealousy, hatred, etc, or if I do not experience constant happiness or my mind still has a high percentage of waste thoughts, these are indicators that my meditation is inaccurate or insufficient. If there is the experience of a link with the Supreme, his peace, purity, love, joy and power will manifest themselves and be visible to others through my actions.


Message for the day

Success comes to the one who understands the importance of time.

Projection: When we are working at a task, success doesn't come as much as it should because we have not been able to recognise the importance of time. Because of this sometimes carelessness sets in which makes us lose valuable time and interferes in what we are doing. Then, we cannot give our best to the task.

Solution: We need to recognise the importance of time so that we never postpone what we can do now. We will then always have the slogan 'now or never' in our mind. Knowing that what we can do now, we cannot do it as well in the future, we'll give our best to all we do right now. This will enable us to use our time in a fruitful way and success will come very easily to us.


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Dive Deep

Contemplation: Dive Deep

1,300 year old city submerged virtually intact underneath a man-made lake in China

Dive Deep

The mind that rests only on the surface of things will be tossed about in every storm. Let me dive deep to where peace can always be found.

Stability

Whenever there is a difficult situation, the first reaction is usually
negative. In spite of not wanting to, there is a tendency to be carried
away with a storm of waste thoughts. Such waste thoughts are no use and
further take us away from finding the right solution for the problem at
hand. The practice of one positive thought everyday helps us to
maintain stability constantly. It takes a long time of practice in
order to experience stability in a difficult situation, because it is
not possible to bring stability after the waste thoughts have come in
our mind. Our constant practice keeps us ready with the right weapon to
combat the situation.

Observing But Not Absorbing

To observe means we take a new, appropriate mental position in whatever situation, or in whatever relationship, we find ourselves. Observation is a silent skill -- a skill we need to learn if we are to assess clearly what positive changes are needed to be made in the self in a particular situation or relationship.

If we fail to learn this art of observing, we are likely to react and absorb ourselves in the negativity of the person, or event. We get lost in the quicksand of what's wrong? which prevents us from putting things right. As we absorb and fill ourselves with negative emotion, we become heavy and remain helplessly rooted to the ground. The gravity of overload does not allow us to rise above a situation and to understand the reality of what is happening. As a result, we lose perspective and overreact.

If we wish to understand how the mental position of observation gives us the power of perspective, we can look at the example of the bird and the ant. The ant, extremely busy, running here and there, scrambling over everything in its rush to find and collect food, will see only what is in front of its nose. The bird, on the other hand, leaves the earth and, as it flies higher and higher, starts to see the bigger picture, compared to when it was on the ground, or on the branch of a tree. Seeing the whole picture, it has a completely different perspective. It is only then that it can truly see where to go and what to do. When we get absorbed in a situation or relationship, we lose perspective, we are like the ant, we get too involved in the details, missing the obvious, and cannot imagine, or think of other possibilities.

Soul Sustenance

Creating A Positive Atmosphere

Instead of expecting external situations to always be giving some personal benefit to us, the soul should see how it could give benefit in any situation, thus creating a powerful atmosphere of benefit. Where there is expectation there is always the possibility of disappointment thus creating a negative atmosphere, but where there is an attitude of giving benefit there can never be disappointment. When the soul has the power to maintain its chosen positive experience in the mind, it generates a powerful, pure atmosphere. The more powerful the soul, and the greater the number of other souls experiencing the same, the more powerful the corresponding atmosphere.

The original nature of the soul is to be peaceful. Through Rajyoga meditation, we develop the power to maintain an experience of peace for long periods, even when speaking or performing action, and this very naturally has an effect on the immediate atmosphere wherever we may be; in a room, a office, at home or on the street. Ultimately I can influence the entire world in a positive way.

Message for the day

True service is to be free and make others free from obstacles.

Projection: When we are involved in a task, we totally think about ourselves irrespective of what effect it has on others. Such an attitude sometimes takes on the form of selfishness to the extent that we become an obstacle for others.

Solution: We need to check ourselves whenever we are involved in a task if what we are doing is effecting others positively or negatively. Whatever we do, only if there is benefit for us as well as for others, can we call it truly successful.


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Silence

Contemplation: Silence

Silence

It is when we silence the chattering of our mind that we can truly hear what is in our heart and find the still, clear purity that lies within the soul. Spiritual love carries us into the silence of our original state of being. This silence contains the power to create harmony in all relationships and the sweetness to sustain them.

Good Effort

We generally expect and wish for a lot of things to happen. Yet we find
that all that we are wishing for does not necessarily happen. At such
times there is a silent thought "I am not getting all that I
should". I thus begin to blame my fate and maybe even God. At such
times, I then give up making effort. I need to recognize the fact that
I get the fruits of whatever I have sown, sooner or later. Sometimes,
it does take a longer time or sometimes comes in a different way than
what I have been expecting. So I must never give up putting in my best
efforts. These seeds of good effort will surely bear fruit.

The True Self And The False Self (cont.)

The illusory (false) self is made up of desires that, even when fulfilled, fail to add value, or a sense of worth to the self. In fact, quite the opposite process happens.

Let us examine some of these illusions and how they give us a mistaken sense of value.

Illusion (False emotion): Ego
Thought: I know, I am
Result: Arrogance, inflexibility, controlling others

Illusion (False emotion): Anger
Thought: I expect
Result: Force, aggression

Illusion (False emotion): Attachment
Thought: I own, It's mine
Result: Insecurity, possessiveness, jealousy

Illusion (False emotion): Greed
Thought: I want, I need
Result: Emptiness, wanting, dissatisfaction

Illusion (False emotion): Lust
Thought: I desire
Result: Exploitation, misuse, emotional dependence

These are the five fires that burn away the quality of human life: uncontrolled emotions that once, in their original pure state, gave happiness and peace to the individual but now create only emptiness and sorrow.

 Soul Sustenance

Hearing The Voice Of Inner Wisdom Clearly

In a way we already know all that we need to know and all that is required to bring about transformation in the self – after all originally, we were a perfect being, and the experience of that stage as well as the knowledge of the path to reach back to that original, perfect stage is embedded inside us. Then why take up spirituality? Why can't we just listen to our intuition – the voice of inner wisdom? Listening to our intuition would be great but unfortunately most of us are not able to hear the voice of our own inner wisdom, which lies submerged in the sub-conscious because the noise of our thoughts, feelings and attitudes drowns the voice out. We have been gathering, slowly and steadily, thousands of beliefs since we have been a part of the cycle of birth and rebirth and these beliefs, in turn, create a flood of incorrect and unwanted thoughts and feelings, today, which distort the true inner voice so that when we think our intuition is telling us something that is true, it is really a wrong belief that we learned sometime in the past.

Over a period of time, as the soul gets purified through the practice of meditation and as it starts listening to and understanding true spiritual knowledge, false beliefs based on body consciousness get displaced by true ones based on spiritual consciousness and this inner voice starts speaking absolutely clearly and accurately without any wrong judgments or distortion. That is why, in the beginning, when we are still learning to connect with God, it is extremely important, to have the guidance of someone more experienced when learning meditation, who can guide us with his/her wisdom and experience, so that we can differentiate between what is actually our intuition and our own belief influenced viewpoint.

Message for the day

Where everything is done according to the right method there is success.

Projection: When we don't achieve success we sometimes do get tempted to opt for a short cut method, which might bring us temporary success, too. But in the long run we find that it isn't be so beneficial after all.

Solution: Whenever we are involved in a task specially if it is a difficult one we need to make sure that we are following the right method. Whatever is done according to the right system will surely be successful.


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Grain of Sand

Contemplation: Grain of Sand

 

Arabian Desert

Grain of Sand

It is not the mountains ahead that wear you out. It's the grain of sand in your shoe.

Fear of Failure

When involved in something new, there is usually more fear for our
failure than there is faith in success. So although we put in
sufficient efforts towards achieving the target, we are not able to
experience success. This fear neither makes us give our best to the
task, nor does it ensure our success in anyway. We need to maintain the
faith in our mind first about our own success. Because if we think in
our mind that we have failed, we have failed even before we have
actually attempted the task. What we need is a constant experience of
success in the mind, which makes us increase the speed and intensity of
our efforts.

The True Self And The False Self

Meditation is an attempt to find the true self. It is this self which holds the identity of what I am, an identity which, when realized, gives fulfillment and direction to our life. This is what we call the consciousness of * I am, which emerges in meditation when there is concentration on the present and we focus on the now of * I am, rather than the past, or the future (* I was, or * I will be).

To remind us of this state, we use the word Om, which means 'I am a soul', the spiritual identity that acts as a key to human consciousness. As we find and realize the true self through meditation, we become aware of the false self and how deeply embedded it is in our lives, both in our way of thinking and being.

When we understand this illusory (false) self then we can begin the process of dissolving its negative effects on the original or true self.

In tomorrow's message, we shall examine the various forms of the illusory or false self and its negative effects on us.

Soul Sustenance

Saying Yes Or Saying No?

In life many times we are presented with situations that ask something of us or offer us opportunities. They make us question what we are doing and suggest to us that perhaps we should change direction. To remain in flow with life is to remain bring about changes in the self that situations want from us, as long as it is in agreement with our conscience. But for that, we should be clear about what we say yes to, and what we say no to. When you put your heart into something and your mind is centered, the energy flows powerfully towards there. It is a question of listening to your heart, and daring to say yes or to say no. We have to say it keeping our conscience and action in line, in order to maintain honesty and integrity.

Personally, we all live through difficult and uncomfortable situations, but in your heart you need to know that you will definitely be there. The trust in yourself, and the confidence that everything will work out fine, knowing that there is some hidden lesson that you have to learn, helps you to say yes. It is what the situation asks of you, although you prefer to be in some other 'more comfortable' situation - a less risky or seemingly negative one. It is important to hear the voice of time, of the moment, of the situation and trust that it would strengthen you, with which it would bring you closer to greater personal development and to your destiny as a person, and also brings about global benefit since you are a part of society, a part of humanity. 


Message for the day

To be obedient to God means to have a right to His inheritance.

Projection: We sometimes find ourselves feeling low and unenthusiastic. We tend to blame the situations and the people around which makes us feel even more dull. At such times we expect and seek God's help and power but experience no help from him.

Solution: We need to realise that we don't have to ask God for power or blessings but have a right to them. Before we perform any task we need to ask ourselves if God will like what we are doing. If we do everything according to God's wishes that means we are obedient. Such obedience will get us the inheritance of peace and happiness from God.


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Feelings

Contemplation: Feelings

Rainbow over Lavender Fields

Feelings

If your days seem filled with unwanted negative feelings, there is only one cure. When they come, choose them. Don't ask why, don't wonder how, don't fight them and never put yourself down for having them. But most of all never blame someone else for how you feel. If you do, it means your choice is to be a victim. When the feelings come, even big disturbing emotional feelings say, "I choose this feeling" and know it comes because of something you have thought or done in the past, perhaps a certain belief that you have learned or an attachment that is threatened. Choice does not mean you want the feelings, but it does mean you are taking responsibility for them. And that is the beginning of self mastery. It is the first step to the healing and resolving of your emotions. But only the first step. Try this today and then ask yourself what the next step might be. If you are really interested to know, you will come to know!

True victory

Victory is usually associated with being victorious over situations or
people. We generally wait for situations to change and for everything
to get all right. We also tend to expect people to behave according to
our desire and requirement. We tend to perceive victory in having the
last word. Yet we find that we are not able to experience being
victorious. True victory lies in first winning over our own internal
weaknesses. We can win over situations or people only when we win over
our own negativity. Situations and people become instrumental in
enabling us to discover our own weaknesses. When we work to remove
these weaknesses, instead of blaming others for what is happening, we
can experience true victory.

Detached Observation

Detachment is the basis of our ability to be positive and affectionate with others while we interact with them. This is what is known as commitment and the relationship of detachment and it begins with what is known as a spiritual skill: the skill of being a detached observer.

On needs to be a detached observer in two dimensions: one within and one outside:

The inner art of detached observation is the ability of separating ourselves from our own thoughts, emotions, attitudes and behavior. On the external level, the art of detached observation is the art of being witness to the scenes that take place around us. While we detach ourselves and observe how the game of life develops, without being active participants, we are able to see the "big picture" with greater clarity. That makes it easier to see clearly what role we have to play and where our contribution lies. We are creators, and our thoughts, emotions and attitudes are our own work.

In reality, detached observation is the first step towards personal strengthening. If we don't manage to detach ourselves from our thoughts and emotions, they will turn into our owners and will consume our energy.

Soul Sustenance

Is It Possible To Manipulate The Law Of Karma?

Human laws can be adjusted, manipulated and even ignored by some, but no one can do the same with the Law of Karma. On the physical level, there is no time interval between an action and its reaction. If I throw an object in the air, it falls back immediately with the same force. With the Law of Karma, however, there can be a delay between the action and its result or fruit. The seeds of certain actions (negative or positive) bring immediate fruit. Others can take years or even many births to bear fruit. If I eat too much ice-cream, I will see the result or karmic effect of the negative karma of greed within a space of ten-fifteen minutes in the form of a headache or after two days in the form of a cold and flu. This is an e.g. in which we realize the working of the Law of Karma, we realize clearly the cause and its effect, but on a subtle level, when we see the effects of actions, we do not realize that the cause may have actually been in a previous life. There is a total connection between the cause and the effect.

When we analyze a natural calamity such as a major earthquake that uproots buildings and trees, overturns vehicles and kills thousands of people. The physical cause may be tectonic activity associated with faults inside the earth’s surface but at the same time, we realize that such a calamity could have its roots in a process initiated by human beings a few hours, days or months ago – an e.g. being testing of nuclear weapons. On a personal level, I can say that there is nothing which happens to me for which I am not responsible. Whether I remember what I did to make it happen or not, whether I realize it or choose to ignore it, I am ultimately responsible.

Message for the day

The method to overcome weaknesses is to remind ourselves of our positive qualities.

Projection: When we make a mistake we usually realize the need to remove that weakness but our identification with that particular weakness is so much that we are not able to overcome it.

Solution: Instead of reminding ourselves again and again about our weaknesses we need to remind ourselves of our positive qualities. The more we do that we will slowly be able to emerge these qualities and work with them and slowly we'll be able to overcome our weaknesses.



In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: Beliefs and Attitudes

Contemplation: Beliefs and Attitudes

Kalalau Beach, Hawaii

Beliefs and Attitudes

Frequent repetition of the same type of thoughts creates your beliefs and attitudes.

Adjustment

Normally when we have to adjust with a person or a situation, we tend
to experience a lot of negative thoughts. We find it difficult to
adjust and we experience defeat each time we have to make an
adjustment. We tend to feel that we are making this adjustment for the
benefit of the other person. We do manage to adjust but not with
lightness. To adjust means to understand that nothing can be done to
change the situation so it is more sensible to accept it. So, we are
actually adjusting not because it is going to benefit others, but
because we are to be benefited. This is like crossing over a physical
obstacle that comes our way, which we cannot remove. To move forward
with lightness in all situations, we need to have the practice of
looking at the positive aspect in everything and everyone.

Meditation - A Process Of Cleansing, Dialogue And Joining (cont.)

Meditation can be defined as a process of cleansing, a process of dialogue and a process of joining. Yesterday we had explained it as a process of joining. Today we throw more light on the same:

Joining (cont.)
The Supreme Power is the eternal reference point for all creation, whose task is to recharge and cleanse everything. Being eternally pure and untouched by any trait of selfishness or violence, the Supreme Being is totally benevolent (kind), and through the eternal energies of love and truth is capable of recharging and filling the human soul with all the powers. Of course, each person chooses their own level of cleanliness, recharging or fullness. That personal choice will determine the resulting powers of love, peace, happiness and truth to be found in the individual.

The Supreme Being is like an eternal point of pure Light that resides in the world of eternal silence, beyond time and matter. Through concentrated thought we can reach this source of love and purity. When our mind is synchronized it takes just a second to establish communication. When we reach this place of eternal silence, the world of silent light, we focus our loving attention on the Supreme Being. If our focus is deeply concentrated we can feel the self is filled with the purest peace and love, something we have never felt before in our lives. This is yoga: rejoining the self with the Supreme Being and, in this union, we once again recall all the things of value that had been hidden. So yoga means remembering: remembering the original self, the original and eternal relationship with the Supreme Being and remembering, through experience, the true meaning of love, peace and happiness (as a result of the connection with the Supreme).

Soul Sustenance

The Senses in Balance

Our five senses are windows, which open out to the world through which energy flows in two directions. The senses receive impressions and information from the world, and at the same time transmit our personalities to others. Our eyes receive a constant stream of visual messages, but we may also use the eyes to show how we feel. Through our ears we hear the sounds of life; while by "lending an ear" to others we give comfort to them. Touch allows us to experience texture; but can also transmit love and assurance. Our senses are not merely instruments, but deep-rooted aspects of the self or the soul.

In India, the senses of the body (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and hands) are beautifully depicted in the form of a chariot. The self or the soul is the charioteer (controller of the chariot); the five senses are the five horses. The self keeps the senses harmoniously (peacefully) working together, controlling their tendency to go out of control.

Message for the day

The one who has faith is always carefree.

Projection: When things go wrong we tend to worry a lot. Many waste questions come up in our mind troubling us throughout the difficult time. We are not able to be free from these kind of waste thoughts and tend to feel heavy.

Solution: The way to be light at all times is to develop the faith that things will work out fine. Even during the difficult situation we need to maintain the faith that there will be something good that will emerge from the situation. This will enable us to be light even during the most difficult situation.


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/