Contemplation: June 08, 2020: Am I Happy?

Contemplation: June 08, 2020: Am I Happy?

Am I Happy?

If there is any sadness I make a strong effort to be free of it quickly, otherwise it grows like a vine in the rainy season: by midday I will be confused; by evening a whole jungle of weak, wasteful and negative attitudes will have taken deep roots in my mind. The result equals chaos. Sometimes I reach a stage where the attitude is: "So what if I feel the blues today? It is my life; no one else will be affected". Firstly, the more I allow myself to experience sorrow, the less time I have available to be happy and contented. It sounds ridiculously obvious, but am I aware of the value of happiness? It is an extremely rare commodity, and the cost goes sky high. Secondly, is it my life? Yes, I am living it, but am I not a member of a family or a co-worker with others, and am I not part of society? If so, then every movement affects and is affected by those around me.

Love Will Heal The World (Part 3)

The fall in the value system of the world is largely due to love no longer present in the minds of the people of the world in its pure form. There are very few people in the world who are living by God’s definition of love and that is why we see sorrow increasing in the world because both lust and attachment, which are impure forms of love and being lived by almost everyone, bringing with them negative emotions like lack of freedom, expectations, feelings of superiority and inferiority, domination, possessiveness, lack of control over emotions, feelings of jealousy, even depression due to separation or loss of someone with whom either of these two emotions existed. You might question that do we stop loving our friends and family and detach ourselves from them? Do you know that the world in its originality was a world where the love that existed, its magnitude and depth and also its cleanliness remains un-comparable to the love of today’s world? Also, the original inhabitants of the world who are none other than we, but in different physical costumes (bodies), loved their children, their husbands and wives, their parents extremely but what did not exist in that love was physical attraction to the opposite gender and sorrow based attachment. The love of today’s world has brought with it so much insecurity and pain. Relationships today are like two sides of the same coin. As long as everything is okay in the relationship its heads for happiness and relationships like any other coin don’t always fall on heads. The same relationship does fall on tails repeatedly i.e. it brings with it sorrow and dis-heartedness.

Love without lust and attachment is the original love of the world, so we cannot say that it is an impossible love. It is the love that souls, who have recognized God’s i.e. the Supreme Ocean of Love’s present presence in the world, are filling themselves with, from Him. God is actually pouring that pure love, which He is full of, presently into humanity which is healing humanity on an incognito level and giving rise to a new tree of humanity full of the different flowers of closeness, belongingness, concern, respect and good wishes amongst everyone and without the thorns of physical lustful attraction and attachment which hurts negatively.

To honor others' identity is to win their cooperation. 

True leadership is about conquering the hearts of others with my own humility. Then I can place the honor of others in front. Thus, I can attract blessings and respect from others. Also, with this, I will only have the vision of bringing benefit. Today I will look beyond what I see in the present in people. What I may see right now may be negative or not so great. But I look at their potential and what they are capable of becoming. When I do this, I will be able to help them recognize their own potential. They would also then want to use this potential in the task at hand. Your respect also earns their respect and they give full cooperation.

Message for the day

Bringing newness in dealing with life's situations brings happiness.

Thought to ponder: When there is the desire to find new ways of responding to life's challenges, unhappiness ends which in turn helps to fulfill one's highest potential. All it needs is the determination to adopt a fresh awareness. Thus burdensome thoughts that drain out positive energy are set aside. The quality of life itself becomes better. 

Point to practice: I experience a lot of happiness when there is newness brought in responding to situations. The potential and the energy of the mind is channelized in a positive way so there is an experience of fulfillment and satisfaction. The mind is not caught up with negative or waste but is busy trying for the best solutions in all situations. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 07, 2020: Concentration Ability

Contemplation: June 07, 2020: Concentration Ability

Concentration Ability

When you want to do something sincerely and are decisive about it; the power of concentration becomes available to you. Concentration allows you to achieve more in less time and respond to situations in a more effective way.

Love Will Heal The World (Part 2)

Love, as an emotion, was given a physical manifestation or form by most people, which included the ones who had lived by the essence of true love in their earlier births i.e. at the time when love was one based on soul consciousness and it was free from lust and attachment, at the beginning of the world drama, which repeats itself. Later, the same souls lost their inner conscience i.e. their beliefs started undergoing change because of the soul becoming discharged due to constantly coming in the process of life and death and not because of any negative or impure actions performed by them. It is a wonder of the world drama that souls after a period of few thousand years of a pure world existence gradually started getting attracted to the physical costume (body) of the opposite gender as impure desires took birth inside the soul. This happened in husband-wife relationships in which love took the form of the impure emotion of lust and in other relationships like parent-child relationships or between siblings (brothers and sisters) or other such close relationships, these desires, as we all know, took the form of the negative emotion of attachment.

So, unknown to the eye of wisdom which was closed at that time, we were swept by the wave of bodily desires and also unknowingly, we became sorrowful. God, who is a source of pure love, the seed of love of the universe, as per the rules of the world drama and as per His role in the world drama, was a silent observer to this happening, for a long time. The quality of love that is found in Him was a part of His creation i.e. us humans at the beginning and suddenly the same creation was abusing that quality which was given to them by God. This is the story of the world creator and creation and how the love virtue works inside them. God, because He does not come in the process of birth and rebirth, does not lose His spiritual energy and that is why He is the only being in whom the positive colour of love does not get transformed into the negative shade of lust and attachment.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

Free the Mind

Does your focus get interrupted by reminders - thoughts that keep popping up into your mind reminding you of this and that? 

Rather than let thoughts interrupt your focus, deal with them.

Firstly, acknowledge your thoughts. These random, insistent thoughts are reminding you of things that need attention. Note them down on paper, or digitally, as 'things to think or do later.'

Free the mind from being your reminder pad and you'll find you can focus better.

Message for the day

To be free from waste words is to ensure easy success. 

Thought to ponder: The one who wastes time and energy in gossip or slander has no time for success. All attention is focused on picking out the mistakes and the negativity of others and so there is no attention on learning new things or picking out the positive. So there is negativity visible in one's own attitude, words and actions. 

Point to practice: When I am able to free myself from waste and negative words, I am able to use the resource of my words in a positive and useful way. My words will be for the benefit of all. I would also notice that my words would be filled with the power of positivity and faith, faith in the self and faith in others. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 06, 2020: Experience the Return

Contemplation: June 06, 2020: Experience the Return

Artist: Jill Barton

Experience the Return

Fill your mind with peace and good feelings and your mind will give that experience in return. Whatever you are experiencing in your mind now is what you put there earlier on.

Love Will Heal The World (Part 1)

Have you ever believed love, the most powerful emotion in the world, can transform the whole universe in a second? That’s the potential it holds in itself but the right type of love and a united love channelized correctly. Not the love that we see on television and in movies. The strength of the media is such that it defines love in an improper way and it influences negatively, millions of people all over the world in just no time. People follow the definition of love that their eyes and ears are exposed to and instead of erasing the negatives that the world is full of, it is taking the world into a phase where an uncontrollable collapse of the value system is taking place with no world monitor except God present to stop the same. People talk about a future apocalypse or a physical mass world destruction, as predicted by some famous world astrologers, prophets, preachers and theologians (those who make a rational study and analysis of religious truths, spirituality and God).

While none of the predictions of the world coming to an end have come true up till now; as per the principles of the world drama and its various scenes and phases that God has shared at the present moment, who is above the predictions made by humans and does possess the knowledge of the immediate future of the world, the world will undergo a transformation and not a complete reduction to a zero existence. The world wide mass birth of unsolvable problems in the ecological, social, political, religious and financial spheres will pave the way for the future world of peace, love and happiness established by the power of love for God and His remembrance based on that, compete purity of the mind and spiritual knowledge. The world will not come to an end. This complete transformation is expected to happen in the near future and is already happening slowly and is something people from many sectors of society are sure about. It is not an immediate event, but we are seeing signs of the same. But before that happens, we are already staring at a spiritual apocalypse or destruction of the value system of the world in the near future; in fact it has already begun.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

Walk in your own shoes

Would you walk a mile in someone else's shoes in order to understand them - where they're coming from and where they're going? 

But can we really understand others?

We can keep trying, but at the same time remember, someone else's shoes will not always fit.

To understand others better, we have to understand ourselves and walk in our own shoes. 

Understand who we are, where we're coming from and where we're going.

Message for the day

To be a giver means to give according to need.

Projection: The one who is a giver would be sensitive to the needs of others and will be able to give what the other person needs at the right time, instead of giving what he wants to give. Also such a person is able to give without expecting anything in return. 

Solution: When there is even a little thought to share with others whatever I have, I would naturally be able to perceive my own inner treasures and experience being full. Sharing with others, whatever I can, enables me to get their good wishes also. I thus find myself experiencing the richness of life. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 05, 2020: Great Expectations

Contemplation: June 05, 2020:  Great Expectations

Great Expectations

The root of all needs and expectations is an unfulfilled spiritual desire. Satisfy your spiritual desires through the practice of meditation and you'll be able to interact successfully with anyone. No longer needy, you will enter into relationships simply to share and enjoy. There'll be no strings attached in the way you give of yourself; your love will be unconditional.

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.

Put yourself in a creative space and make time to write. 

Write poetry, fiction, anything. You don't have to write for anyone, just write for yourself. Don't let the rules of language become a barrier.

Evoke a moment in time, a person, an event, an impression, a feeling, an insight.  Give voice to the deep and meaningful part of yourself. Be creative, be honest, be brave and write.

Message for the day

The one who is detached enjoys all facilities and yet is not dependent.

Projection: For the ones who are detached, the facilities available are a medium for attaining something. They make the best use of each and everything available, for their benefit and the benefit of others. Yet they don't stop because of lack of facilities because they are able to find a way even if there is nothing available. 

Solution: When I am detached, my internal stage is beyond fluctuation. I am able to enjoy each and every thing that comes my way and be light constantly. Also it enables me to be free of dependency. So I am able to make use of all facilities, and yet be free from negative feelings when I am deprived of them. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 04, 2020: Attitudes

Contemplation: June 04, 2020: Attitudes

Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion

Attitudes

When you extend pure love to everyone with selfless motivation that is an attitude of kindness. When you send good wishes and pure feelings to those who are in deep sorrow, that is an attitude of mercy. When you see the virtues rather than the weaknesses in people that is an attitude of compassion. When you bless and uplift someone even as they defame you, that is an attitude of forgiveness. When you tolerate a situation and take responsibility as well as give cooperation even when not appreciated, that is an attitude of humility and self-respect. Every second, every moment and every breath of your life is nurtured by attitude.

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…)

Are you prepared for every eventuality?

No matter how much you plan, you can never be totally prepared. And if you had to plan for all the things that could go wrong, you'd end up feeling quite paranoid!

Make a positive mindset your favorite accessory and
you'll be better prepared for every eventuality!

With a positive mindset, you'll be cool, calm and centered. And as a result, you'll be ready to change your strategy with a 'Plan B', do a complete 'U Turn' or, simply adapt to the new situation.

Message for the day

The ones who work towards perfection naturally inspire perfection in others.

Projection: All life's situations are lessons for bringing about progress, for the one who is committed towards perfection. Such a person never expects others to be perfect, knowing that every human being has his own weaknesses. He is instead able to accommodate others' weaknesses. He only inspires others to bring about transformation and work towards perfection. 

Solution: When I am constantly working towards bringing perfection within myself, I am able to take everything that happens to me in a positive way, as a chance for bringing about self-progress. Also I am able to keep myself positive seeing only the goodness in the other individual and encouraging it. So I am able to enjoy each moment of my life. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 03, 2020: Spaces of Silence

Contemplation: June 03, 2020: Spaces of Silence

June 21, 2015: Prime Minister Modi and more than 35,000 people participated in a mass yoga demonstration in New Delhi marking the first International Day of Yoga

Spaces of Silence

Push yourself like a machine and you will eventually run low on energy. Love your mind by allowing it spaces of silence and it will serve you tirelessly.

The Significance Of The Power Of Thought In Meditation

Meditation is not a process of emptying the mind of thought. In meditation I use the natural power of the soul – the power to create thoughts, as a take-off point (or as a spring-board) to finally experience the consciousness of the true self. In meditation, I climb a ladder of well-prepared, positive and spiritual thoughts and eventually climb beyond the ladder into the pure experience of what I really am. Pondering over these pure and real thoughts can occupy the soul for long periods of time.

In the most basic stage of Rajyoga meditation, first comes the realization: I am a soul, the energy of consciousness made up of a mind, an intellect and a collection of sanskars. My eyes, ears, nose, mouth are just the organs, which when used correctly, help me, the soul, enjoy life. I now possess the knowledge that will free me from my cage. I have the key, spiritual knowledge is the key - I am a soul, a being of light, a bird which has the power to fly freely. Knowing this, I am not bound by physical laws. I can detach and fly at the speed of a thought, to the soul world, where I can easily experience my original state. I must realize that it is impossible to have peace of mind if I cannot detach from the body. I must look upon all my family members, friends, colleagues, also as souls which have come from the soul world. We are all fellow souls.

To understand uniqueness is to be free from expectations. 

When I continue to think of others and wanting them to think like me, I will not be able to be free from expectations. I need to understand that each one has his own unique set of experiences. So, everyone has their own uniqueness of expression. That's what makes the drama of life so beautiful. Today I will appreciate the uniqueness of everyone. I will at least tell 2 people how special they are and what difference their life has made. This will help me not only appreciate them, but also keep me free from any kind of expectations. Others, too, would be able to use their best qualities.

Message for the day

The one who has self-respect is the one who is free from aggression. 

Thought to ponder: When the situation seems out of control, there is naturally a feeling of helplessness. This helplessness further creates tension, which gets expressed in the form of aggression. Such a kind of aggression cannot be suppressed or controlled. To be in the state of one's own self-respect is to be confident and the one who is confident will be assertive but can never be aggressive. 

Point to practice: I am able to keep my mind cool, when I am in my state of self-respect. So I never react to situations negatively but I am able to understand the situation and respond in the right way. I take decisions in a calm and composed state of mind, so I find myself relaxed and easy even in the most difficult situations. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 02, 2020: Cleanliness

Contemplation: June 02, 2020: Cleanliness

Cleanliness

The most important places to keep clean and tidy are my mind and heart. If I allow thoughts to flourish that I wouldn't want to see the light of day, I can never have any real self-respect. By starting each day in quiet reflection and pouring positive, loving thoughts into my mind, I gradually clean out cynicism and unkindness.

Fulfilling The Criteria Of Positivity (Part 2)

In yesterday’s message we defined positivity and negativity from a spiritual perspective. Further elaborating, negativity hides my truth, and causes me to take incorrect steps during the day, without realizing, hurting myself and others yet not knowing how or why. At the level of non-physical spiritual vibrations, we are all connected with each other, as a result of which if I help others to come close to the experience of truth, a state in which the other is an embodiment of the virtues of peace, love, joy, purity and power (as defined yesterday), I will also help myself: whereas if I bring others down into a state of falsehood, the opposite, that will also bring me down. Whenever I give another soul an experience of any of these virtues, the virtue first flows through me and then touches the other. As a result there is an increase in the virtue inside me first and then the other is benefited.

In the entire day, my words and actions may be numbered, but my thoughts are in thousands. My mind works, even when I sleep, even though I am not active physically at that time. The quality of my thoughts at that time is largely influenced by the quality of my thoughts, words and actions during the day. So I need to be aware throughout the day as to how much is each thought, word and action of mine fulfilling the criteria of positivity i.e. bringing me and others closer to a state of truth. The more my thoughts, words and actions do so; the result is an increase in an experience of inner and outer lightness in the self and a similar experience from me to those who come into my contact or whom I interact with.

Examine and Experiment

Under the microscope of your attention, observe your thought processes, emotions and reactions, just like a scientist would. Examine your observations and understand yourself better. And when you're not happy with the observations, experiment with an alternative approach: "If I think like this, how will it make me feel? What if I make a change in my behaviour? What will the outcome be?"

Message for the day

True help is to help people discover their own specialties. 

Thought to ponder: When others' negativities or weaknesses are perceived, it is essential to look at their positivity or specialties too. This will naturally bring love and positivity in the relationship and there will be an encouragement of that positivity. So even if that person has no recognition or has not been using his specialty, an encouragement of it by others will naturally enable him to begin to use it. 

Point to practice: Making others aware of their specialties and subtly encouraging them to use these specialties is a great help that I can do for others. When I am able to give this unique help and cooperation, I not only find benefit for others, but I am also able to get the good wishes of others. Even others naturally become positive with my positive attitude. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/