Contemplation: March 07, 2020: Do It Now

Contemplation: March 07, 2020: Do It Now

Do It Now

The word 'later' proves weakness. Therefore, do not say, "I will do it later", but say, "I have to do it now."

One Direction

When water flows in one direction, it generates energy. 

The wind, when it blows in one direction, also generates energy. 

Sun rays, when focused, generate energy. 

In the same way, when we have an aim and objective, our actions become directed, focused. A current of consistent actions flowing in the direction of one's aim becomes increasingly powerful at each second. The intellectual capital invested in that will generate the dividends of increased happiness.

Living A Life In Supra-Consciousness (Part 3)

Living a life in supra-consciousness will give us the power to bring the aims and objectives in our respective fields, whether it be in the professional sector or on a family relationship level or in any extra-curricular activity like a hobby or a sport or on a social activity level like service to mankind or for achieving an objective for the physical body like overcoming a serious ailment (illness) or for some the purpose of earning wealth through different means. A higher spiritual consciousness or supra-consciousness is not only a powerful thought or the power of determination but also an inculcation of a particular virtue or power through self-assessment and nurturing the virtue or power through pure thoughts and feelings. It is an emerged consciousness for a purpose or as a natural nature characteristic focused towards the fulfillment of a significant aim in our life and is the opposite of sub-consciousness which is more of a hidden consciousness and a merged one, but equally important. The conscious mind is the average or the centre between the supra-conscious mind and the sub-conscious mind.

Also, the complete celibacy of the mind, which means a clean and clear transparent water like mind with no trace of anger, lust, jealousy, animosity (hatred), greed or ego; but on the other hand a mind in which the pure lotuses of positive qualities, personality specialties, talents and skills flourish - is a primary requirement for a supra-consciousness to do its work. Along with the requirement of a clean mind, the other potent (powerful) force for a supra-consciousness is the fuel of a powerful and clear connection with the Almighty Father or God, whose power is the highest and strongest in the world. This fuel lifts the consciousness to amazingly high levels and increases its capacity to the levels of God’s consciousness which can achieve success in the most difficult tasks that exist on the planet Earth. And a supra-consciousness is the key to injecting the energy of positivity into any task and contribute to its fulfillment. 

Soul Sustenance

Observing My Mind And Its Creation

Let us experience creating positive thoughts about ourselves and see how long we can maintain them. We must learn to become our own best friend. A positive thought is imagining oneself as a being of peace. Peace is considered as the power and original quality of human beings. 
In order to be able to concentrate, let's imagine a point of light, a small star like point of energy in the centre of the forehead... Let's focus our attention on this point and begin to create these thoughts: Who am I? Who am I really? 
I turn towards my inner self in order to know myself... I am going to observe the screen of my mind for a few moments... 
I become aware of the thoughts and images I see on the screen of my mind, but I do not let myself be influenced by them... I simply observe them, and I am gradually going to let them flow... I let go of them, I let them drift away... 

I create a space between me and my thoughts, between me and my stream of feelings... I feel at peace and calm, I can choose what I think... The feeling of being able to choose makes me feel stronger... 

I am strong, peaceful and calm... I am positive energy... I am a peaceful, calm being: peace is harmony and balance... 

Message for the day

Lightness comes when words are accurate.

Expression: Accurate words means there is nothing extra spoken. Whatever has to be said is said to the point. Such words being short are sweet to hear too and are those that never hurt others. They bring about the result needed accurately. 

Experience: When my words are to the point, there is a lot of lightness experienced within me and my physical energy is saved too. Others too experience benefit through my words and so I naturally get blessings from them, which helps me move forward with lightness. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: March 06, 2020: Less Is More

Contemplation: March 06, 2020: Less Is More

Less Is More

Fear less, hope more;

Eat less, chew more;

Whine less, breathe more;

Hate less, love more and all good things are yours.

Beware of over-share

We all enjoy a good conversation, when it's easy to share our opinions and experiences. But when we're too comfortable, it's too easy to blurt out too much information.

Now, there's a fine line between sharing just the right amount and over-sharing. Since the same lines don't fit every conversation, take a brief moment in every conversation to be clear about what's appropriate to share and what's not.

Enjoy relaxed conversations. Share, but beware of over-share.

Living A Life In Supra-Consciousness (Part 2)

Achievement is measured by many parameters in life. Successful people fulfill all these parameters in their respective fields to emerge as the special ones and not remain as the ordinary or the mundane. An architect thinks deeply to come up with the design of a new structure. The mind needs to be completely free from waste and negativity and completely silent and concentrated for the complete powers of the mind to be harnessed (used). A charismatic leader like Mahatma Gandhi took the vow of complete purity and ahimsa (or non-violence) which not only inspired others but also served as a power behind getting the country liberated from the British Empire. A living legend Pele, who passed through a poverty filled childhood in Brazil, surpassed all records and became known as the most amazing footballer of all times through the power of determination. Jesus Christ was the founder of Christianity. Called the son of God, his secret was the power of love and capacity to tolerate, for which he is remembered by not only 200 crore plus Christians whose hearts are devoted to him, but revered (respected) by the complete world. King Vikramaditya, known for his wisdom, bravery and big-heartedness was the first king who started the worship of the bodiless Supreme godfather Shiva by building the first Jyotirlingam shrine out of the 12 existing Jyotirlingams in India - the Somnath temple in Gujarat, India. He was followed by millions all over India who not only worship Shiva but are an inspiration to many many people all over the world who worship God as non-physical or a subtle point of supreme energy, depicted in different religions in different ways. Pythagoras, a Greek philosopher and one of the oldest mathematicians of our times, led the way by inventing one of the most famous theorems of mathematics – the Pythagoras's theorem by diving into the depths of ancient Greek wisdom and reflecting internally.

All the above and many many more luminaries (celebrities) of different fields had a supra-consciousness, that something above the ordinary consciousnesswhich shaped their lives and their destiny and made them heroes remembered for their achievements.
(To be continued tomorrow …)

Soul Sustenance

Entering into a Land of Forgiveness (Part 4)

The Land of Forgiveness cannot be created without the power of truth. While peace and love transform our emotions, we cannot forgive someone or not get angry at someone who has wronged us without rock solid self-esteem, which is the energy of truth in action. There are some who tolerate and forgive, but they give in to the pressure associated with it by indulging in occasional outbursts. Doing the same with pleasure and not with pressure requires regular inputs of true spiritual wisdom from the Supreme and their inculcation. Over a period of time, such an individual becomes filled with the power of truth and is able to withstand the pressures of coming into contact with a difficult personality. He is able to not only remain introverted while connecting with such a person but also radiate good wishes to the other person and smile softly in the process of doing the same. 

There are some common sayings in the everyday teachings of the Brahma Kumaris based on truth - the one who is truthful dances in joy, the boat of truth will rock (shake) but will not sink, the one who is truthful will emerge victorious – such a person, who is an ocean of truth, is the one who wears the different hearts of forgiveness (explained earlier) gracefully and is an instrument in creating a Land of Forgiveness and earns the sweet blessings of the Supreme Father.

 

Message for the day

To have attention to accumulate is to experience constant progress.

Expression: The one who has the attention to accumulate each and every moment makes sure that he uses well his treasures like thoughts, time etc. Then, there would never be anything waste or even ordinary. Instead each treasure would be used for the benefit of all. 

Experience: Having attention to accumulate makes me realize the importance of whatever I have. This makes me pay attention on even little things and I find myself benefitting from each moment and with each thing that happens. Thus I experience constant progress. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: March 05, 2020: Good Relationships

Contemplation: March 05, 2020: Good Relationships

Good Relationships

In order to create good relationships... - with your mind, think about what you have to learn from others, - with your eyes, look into good qualities of others, - with your words, recognize, value and appreciate their accomplishments, - with your actions, cooperate and do something for others.

To say yes is to receive blessings and to ensure progress. 

Life brings certain situations that seem difficult and challenging. When such situations demand something from me (which I feel is beyond any capacity), there is a tendency to either say 'no' or to try and escape. On the other hand, when I say yes to the situation I will be able to discover skills and talents within me, that I never knew I had. I will thus be able to receive blessings from many. Today I will one thing that I have been avoiding to do. I will use all my skills and energies to make it happen. I will then automatically receive help and good wishes from others, which would help me further in succeeding.

Living A Life In Supra-Consciousness (Part 1)

Life with a higher consciousness starts with taking two primary steps - one is the complete purity or holistic celibacy of the mind and the other is a strong love filled connection with a spiritual power giving source. Both contribute equally in creating a mind-field in which strongly charged thoughts (thoughts charged with strength) can emerge which contribute to success in every sphere of karma or action.

Many historians have pondered (given a thought to) over the success of many important and high profile individuals down the history lane - not only what success they achieved and how they achieved it, but also the reasons behind their success. These individuals include kings and queens of a high caliber, with rich capabilities; also many sportsmen and women which the world remembers a lot; also high class politicians from different countries all across the globe who etched (wrote) their names on not only hearts of people whom they led but also people who saw them do that from a distance i.e. people from countries other than their native countries. Also let us not forget the success stories created by scientists and engineers who set an example by dedicating their lives to bringing new inventions to society on which the world is thriving till the present day. There were writers also of different natures who wrote tons of pages on different subjects and are followed by millions of people all over the world for their prowess (skills) with the simple pen. The world also saw artists in different spheres like music, theatre, painting, sculpture, architecture and photography, bringing the world to their feet with their creative spirit. What was the common Aha factor in the lives of all of them – mental strength and also a solitude or silence filled intellect. Today, we have all achieved success on a material level but forgotten the basics of a higher spiritual consciousness or supra-consciousness and how it can bring in our favour the tag (label) of so called successful people.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

Soul Sustenance

Entering into a Land of Forgiveness (Part 3)

There is a saying in India that in a home where the fire of anger exists, pots of water also dry up. Anger is a name given to a large collection of desires that exist inside the human consciousness which prevent us from forgiving. Filling the emotions inside our mind with love and pacifying the emotions of subtle desires is the second step in creating an environment of forgiveness wherever we are. Imagine a world without the numerous desires that exist in our lives - I need, I want, I own, I expect, I am right, I envy – these are subtle fires that burn up the energy of pure soul-to-soul love, that exists inside us instinctively, because we are children of God, the Supreme Soul, who is an Ocean of love. 

So waking up in the morning and starting the day with a warm Good Morning to this Ocean of love and having a heart-to-heart conversation and a deep loveful communion with Him and filling myself with the deepest pure love existing in this complete Universe, is paving the way for my heart to be cleansed of the various ego-based emotions and for it to become moulded as a forgiving one, because the more I fill my heart with God’s love, the more I am enriched with soul-to-soul love and the more sweet and humble I become. And such a transformed me, then is able to win the hearts of each one and create an atmosphere of love and forgiveness around me, which is my vow (promise) to the Supreme.(To be continued tomorrow) 

Message for the day

Words filled with good wishes bring change in others.

Expression: When there are good wishes combined with the words that I speak, there is love. Whatever is spoken with love has its effect on others. Such words are free from all kind of negativity, so they naturally have a lot of power. Only such powerful words can bring about a change in others. 

Experience: When I speak with love and good wishes, I find that I am light, knowing that I have no selfishness in whatever I have said. The others too are able to immediately correct themselves. This also enables me to gain good wishes for having taken them a step forward. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: March 04, 2020: We Are All Responsible

Contemplation: March 04, 2020: We Are All Responsible

We Are All Responsible

When we look around to examine the state of our environment, which is what we leave behind after developing and exploiting the resources of the planet, many are quick to see pollution and waste. We are not slow in pointing out the damage and the impurities which will be our legacy for the future generations. We are not so quick to spot the impurities which we have allowed to develop and accumulate in our own personal lives. At the level of our thoughts, is every thought a pure and benevolent one, which carries the best wishes for our fellow travelers. Unlikely, as we mostly learn to criticize and complain, attack and blame. At the level of our intentions do we always mean well and want the best for others, or are our intentions sometimes coloured by selfishness or greed? At the level of outcomes do we celebrate the achievements of others as they grow to be all that they can be, or do we stand back in envy or jealousy. Our lives all begin within our own consciousness. The lakes and the landscapes of our mind and intellect are where we all live the most. Do we keep them clean and pure and unspoilt? Can beauty and harmony be found within? No! Then perhaps we need to clean up inside before we condemn others on the outside. Because what is out there is simply a reflection of what is in here! And we are all in it together. Perhaps that is why no one is to blame but we are all responsible.

To understand the importance of time to use it well. 

Each second is like a seed which gives rise to a tree. If that moment is used well, there is benefit for a long time. But, if that moment is lost, there is loss. So, the benefit or loss is in multi-folds. Once we understand this, we are able to fully use the treasure of time for our own benefit and that of others. Today I will keep a check on my daily routine to ensure I don't waste any time, but rather use it well. Not to waste time means I enjoy each and every moment, whatever is the task that I am involved in. such use of each moment of time helps me reap a lot of benefit not only for the present but for the future too.

Experiencing A Spiritual Lifestyle Without Renouncing Society

A good meditator is one who has a mental link or union with the internal self and the Supreme Soul or God who is the source of all goodness. This, along with an understanding of the laws of action or the laws of karma, which govern the behavior of souls, means that one does not have to renounce or leave society in order to achieve enlightenment. Rather, the soul filled with spiritual illumination faces society directly with understanding and the generosity to serve it and to elevate (improve) it.

The soul becomes elevated not by the renunciation of responsibilities or worldly duties but by a renunciation of the negativity that exists within the role being played by it in society. A good meditator does not try to escape social obligations (duties) but rather purifies those duties by becoming filled with light, love, peace and happiness. The stage of self-awareness and God-communication injects a subtle richness into one's life-patterns.

There are those who believe that the elevated state is beyond society and its duties. They find a quiet spot in the jungle or an ashram and contemplate (think about) deeper things. There are others who are stuck in the quicksand of their problems, and believe that those who leave society and take up a spiritual lifestyle are saints. However, holiness and virtue are qualities attained in one's life situations, not in running away from them. The elevated state is not merely a matter of elevated thoughts (which can be experienced in a sanyas), but elevated actions also, for the benefit of the self and the world. We are what we do and not so much what we imagine ourselves to be.

Soul Sustenance

Entering into a Land of Forgiveness (Part 2)

We are all very much aware that forgiveness is an antidote (one that neutralizes or heals) to anger. But to forgive, the first and foremost power that is required is the ability to apply a full-stop on my rough emotions when provoked. The control of my emotions, one minute every hour, is like building a dam across the river of emotions which becomes rough, while coming into interactions with a variety set of personalities and while becoming busy in actions, both of which cause an expansion of thoughts. The situation becomes worse when the interaction or action, during the past hour, has been a negative one, filled with conflict. So, every hour, a short one minute meditation, to fill the mind with the power of peace, is the first preparation of the mind to forgive easily. We suggest to you a few thoughts that you can create – “I am a peaceful soul, a beautiful golden-white star situated at the centre of the forehead. I spread the rays of peace to my surroundings. I am the child of the Ocean of peace, the Supreme Soul. All the people in my office or in my family or in the world at large are also children of the Ocean of peace, their nature is inherently (originally) peaceful. We all together, collectively, have to create an atmosphere of peace at our workplace or home or in the complete world, so that we can all proceed into the land of forgiveness. This is our objective and please do not forget - our sweet father’s (God’s) wish and desire from his children.” 

Collecting 15 minutes of peace every day (one minute every hour), in this way, is extremely valuable. These 15 minutes are the bricks of the dam that you have to build for yourself inside your mind and keep the rough emotions in check. Try this for one month with an earnest heart, a lot of love for God, for whom this exercise is being done, loyalty to his task and determination to transform the self. This peace-brick building exercise will not only dam (control) your emotions but will also slow down the speed of the flow of the river of emotions by healing the origin or source of the river of emotions, which is your sanskara of anger and transforming it into a sanskara of forgiveness, because thoughts of peace not only fill our emotions with peace in the short term but also make our sanskaraspeaceful in the long term. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message for the day

To consider problems to be a game is to move forward with lightness.

Expression: Even when the most difficult problem comes my way, I am able to give my best when I understand the significance of whatever is happening. Because I never experience being subservient to the problem, I am always a master. 

Experience: When I understand that problems are just a game, I am able to play whatever part I have to, externally. But internally I will experience lightness knowing that this is the part I have to play. It would be easy to understand the significance of the part that I am playing and remain happy. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: March 03, 2020: Transform Sorrow

Contemplation: March 03, 2020: Transform Sorrow

Transform Sorrow

If someone causes you sorrow, then don't take it. Your slogan is: Give happiness and receive happiness. Neither cause sorrow nor take sorrow. If someone causes you sorrow, transform it and give that one happiness.

Respect is to recognize and appreciate the unique role of everyone. 

When I find myself having negative thoughts toward anyone, I need to look at the special role this person has to play. 

When I look closely, I will realize how talented they are, and will develop new respect for them. Without this particular person, the drama of life would not be complete.

Harmonizing The Mind And The Intellect

The intellect is the faculty of the soul that judges thought and determines its quality, its ethical purity, its truthfulness, its usefulness, its appropriateness, whether it is necessary, right or wrong. The intellect is backed by the conscience. In fact, the conscience expresses itself through the intellect.  If you have a positive thought, the intellect should approve it and allow it to be put into practice. If a feeling of doubt accompanies the positive thought, the intellect should take it into account and remove that doubt, before the thought gets converted into action. When the faculties of the mind and intellect are pure and strong, and they cooperate in harmony; they support one another and there is no inner conflict. If the intellect is weak, the mind feels confused and it will generate many unproductive thoughts. There will be an inner conflict and in the end the intellect will lose, because the power of influence of the intellect is less. Then, the intellect will not have the power to prevent them from going into action. Actions will be performed that are negative or unproductive, in opposition to the conscience, and they will as a result create negative habits.

The intellect is the most important faculty of human consciousness to bring about personality change. If the quality of the intellect is good, the capacity and quality of the intellectual processes through which you perceive and live reality will be higher. If the intellect is clean and pure, you will differentiate what is real and authentic from what is unreal and false. You will be able to judge if a situation is beneficial or wasteful, useful or useless.

Soul Sustenance

Entering into a Land of Forgiveness (Part 1)

God was once asked - In what light would you like to see the world? He answered - “My deepest wish is to create a land of forgiveness, a land where each one is uncritical and does not keep a stern (strict) eye on others’ mistakes, on others’ shortcomings (weaknesses), a land where there is complete harmony between humans, in spite of their different natures or sanskaras. I want the entire human race to proceed into such a land of forgiveness.” 

Based on the spiritual knowledge and understanding that we have learned at the Brahma Kumaris and with the objective of fulfilling God’s wish, in this message, we are sharing with you seven hearts based on seven different human emotions that are different colours of forgiveness, which you could wear on each day of the week and join us in fulfilling this objective. 

Wear A Generous Heart - Be Forgetful Of Others' Mistakes 
Wear An Open Heart - Accommodate Others 
Wear A Thankful Heart - Give Blessings And Take Blessings 
Wear A Warm Heart - Be Uncritical 
Wear A Tolerant Heart - Keep An Easy Eye On Others’ Weaknesses 
Wear An Accepting Heart - Absorb Others' Virtues 
Wear A Giving Heart - Fill Others With Virtues 

In order to wear these hearts, which means bringing these different colours of the emotion of forgiveness into practice, we need the powers of peace, love and truth. These three powers together make up the healing balm of forgiveness, which heal our anger-filled emotions which in turn heal our peaceless words and actions. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message for the day

To pay attention to every act is to be a hero.

Expression: A hero actor is one who has great attention for every act of his. He makes sure that none of his words or actions are ordinary or waste. He ensures perfection in everything he does. This naturally brings the best out of him. 

Experience: Since I pay constant attention to everything I do, I find that I am able to give my best. I am then satisfied with whatever is happening since I know what I do is not as important as how well I do it. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: March 02, 2020: Beyond Judgement

Contemplation: March 02, 2020: Beyond Judgement

 Beyond Judgement

If I've done nothing wrong, and my attitude is well-meaning, a difficult situation is just a test for my ability to remain beyond the judgement of others.

Gut Feelings

When faced with decisions, most of us experience a gut feeling. Your gut feeling 'knows' what you need and what to do. But sometimes gut feelings can be wrong.

To make better decisions, listen to your gut feelings, but verify it with logic and data.

The Gender Of God

In a large number of religious traditions, all over the world, God is always referred to as a male entity. But, just as the soul does not have a gender and is neither masculine nor feminine, God’s i.e. the Supreme Soul’s gender is neither male nor female specifically. Therefore, as a soul, a spiritual child of God, I can come close to God without any inhibitions or difficulty, which I may experience in any relationship in the physical world, due to the gender of the body I am occupying.

We need to take a look at the Supreme Being or God closely. The Supreme Being is the Supreme Mother who provides spiritual sustenance and whose love is full of unconditional acceptance. No matter what has happened, how my nature or personality may be, I experience unconditional acceptance from God. It's a love that strengthens me, as well as it purifies me. At the same time, God is also the Supreme Father, a very powerful entity, who provides protection and fills the soul with the inheritance of divine qualities and powers. It's a question of just being an innocent child and claiming that inheritance. These are the first two relationships that have to be experienced with God. The Supreme is a balance of being feminine, having the qualities of caring, giving and full of good wishes and masculine at the same time, having the qualities of power, authority and fearlessness. He is She and She is He. These two relationships with God, whereby God plays both the roles of both parents are the basis of my spiritual development. Spirituality introduces to us the concept of taking a new spiritual birth to the Supreme Father and Mother. This birth is based on a change of consciousness. One needs to let go of the negative, impure and sorrowful past and develop a new consciousness, based on the present introduction to spirituality, which is positive, pure and blissful. The awareness of the self as a soul changes my way of looking at things immensely, but the consciousness of being a child of God, who is the Mother as well as the Father and seeing others with that vision brings respect and love for myself. Then all these qualities start showing in my actions and interactions as well.

Soul Sustenance

Role Induced Stress (Part 2)

It’s not at all wrong to treat what we do seriously, but it's a mistake to believe what we do is extremely extremely important and we are extremely busy people living an extremely busy lifestyle. This kind of consciousness makes us over-serious. A very common sign of this is carrying a lot of thoughts of one role into the other. E.g. Aarti, a young mother, switches roles from a software executive in the corporate sector, a role which she plays in the entire day, to a parent and wife in the evening. If she is over thinking about her day-role while playing her evening-role, it is a sign she is over-identifying with her day role and there is a lack of detachment. As a result she starts becoming over-serious and suffers from role induced stress as a result. There is a deep connection between seriousness and fear. E.g. In this case of Aarti, as a result of attachment to her role, there are lots of fears that she carries regarding her role of software executive – fear of loss of position; loss of love, respect and reputation – either in her company or in general in society, not succeeding, not getting promoted etc. because of which she is over-serious and she carries the role in her head almost all the time, even when she sleeps. That is why so called extremely busy people sometimes complain of sleep problems. 

This can happen with us, with any role we play. This kind of stress, just like in the case of the actor (explained yesterday) is generally made up sorrow, anger and fear – one of these three different negative emotions from time to time or more than one at the same time – phases of dejection or feeling low or a lack of enthusiasm or a general disinterest in life events; phases of frustration and experiencing a lack of control of events and people, due to which there are frequent outbursts of anger and phases of immense worry regarding the future, all of which affect our mind, our physical body, relationships and even success of our role; although it is our role itself (our over-identification with it) which is the root cause of this emotional turmoil inside us. So instead of be benefitting our role, our over-concern for it starts affecting it adversely. 

Message for the day

Understanding brings happiness. 

Expression: Happiness lies in understanding the secret of whatever is happening. When one is able to remain happy in this way, he is able to spread this happiness to those around too, influencing the lives of all. 

Experience: When I am able to remain happy under all circumstances, I am able to be free from the influence of others' negativity. Instead I will be able to become a major source of positive influence to those around me. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/