Contemplation: June 16, 2020: Harmony

Contemplation: June 16, 2020: Harmony

Harmony

Love dissolves hate;

Kindness melts cruelty;

Compassion calms passion;

Cooperation evokes love and when we bow, others bend;

This creates harmony.

Mental Churning And Its Benefits (Part 1)

Starting the day on a positive note sets the foundation for a day filled with positivity and purpose. There was once a gardener who used to take utmost care of his plants by starting the day in their presence, watering them and ensuring that they were nourished with the right amount of sunlight and the right type of soil. The gardener’s love for the plants used to reflect in the way his plants started being loved by everyone around him. When people sometimes used to ask him the secret of his beautiful plants, he would give credit to the early morning sustenance that he would give his plants which would ensure that they grew positively throughout the day.

We all also have to create thoughts, speak words and perform actions throughout the day, all of which need to be perfection filled so that even other people around us are full of praises for them. It’s easier said than done especially with so many people around us with different sanskaras and different ways of thinking and also sometimes with their own priorities, which sometimes take us away from our path of perfection and our thoughts, words and actions are not of as high a quality as we wish. In such cases, we forget that the foundation of a day full of perfect thoughts, words and actions is laid in the morning by beginning the day on a positive note. Here by positive we mean reading a paragraph or two of positive information, which is a like an exercise to shape our thoughts which keeps them fit for the whole day, which as a result keeps our words and actions full of purity and positivity. At the Brahma Kumaris, we make it a point to absorb spiritual knowledge before starting the day because we have realized the significance of that, in keeping our thoughts, words and actions beautiful the whole day. Just like the garden requires early morning attention, the garden of our mind which consists of the flowers of thoughts, feelings, emotions and attitudes requires attention in the morning, which keeps our complete personal landscape consisting of thoughts, words and actions, beautiful the whole day.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

Accept Yourself

Are you happy with what you see in the mirror?
Do you consider yourself to be beautiful?

Most of us complain about the reflection in the mirror.
Even the swan could complain: "I'm too big,
my neck is ridiculously long and my feathers are plain white."

Be less critical, be more appreciative.
Accept yourself. You are beautiful.

Message for the day

Sweet words bring benefit.

Thought to ponder: When I get upset or disturbed by something that someone did, my immediate reaction is to say something to them. But most times, such words only turn out to be like stones hit at them, which are hurting. In fact, it is all the more important to say something positive and encouraging to someone who neither have the power at that time to act positively nor realize their mistake. 

Point to practice: Today I will only say something positive. If I feel that my saying something will not help the other person, today I will not say that. I will pay special attention to what I speak. I will only say that which would create a positive effect. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 15, 2020: Healing

Contemplation: June 15, 2020: Healing

Artist: Kinuko Y. Craft

Healing

I gently return to equilibrium, nurtured by a well spring of love. I, the soul, am washed and soothed by the quiet energies of stillness. Embracing the vastness of my inner landscape, I understand the cycles of growth and decay. Today I will fix something broken, or find a new use for it.

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.

To stand for what we believe in is not to fall before what we fear. 

When fear takes over, I need to focus more on what I believe in, rather than focusing on what I fear. To think of what I don't want or what I want to avoid is not the solution. Rather, I need to focus my energies on what I want. When I do this, I will be able to avoid negativity and use my potential and energy for what needs to be done. Today I will think of one thing I have been avoiding. I will then see what I want to do in its place. If I don't want something, there would surely be something that I want. When I start working on what I should be doing, I will naturally be able to do away with what I fear or what I am avoiding.

Message for the day

To have the consciousness of being on a pilgrimage is to move forward with contentment.

Thought to ponder: On a pilgrimage, there are many obstacles that one faces. But they don't stop, because their goal is clear. In the same way, in our lives too, when we move forward with clarity, we are able to be free from wasteful actions. We will do only that which is useful and that too with love and dedication. Also, there would be no looking back, the journey is always forward. 

Point to practice: Today I will remember that I am on a pilgrimage. Whatever I do today holds significance and I do it with so much dedication and love. I will only do that which is right. I will not perform any action, which is negative or destructive for the self. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 14, 2020: The Truth about Illusion

Contemplation: June 14, 2020: The Truth about Illusion

Orange Paint Leaks Marigolds in a Public Park in France

 The Truth about Illusion

Illusion is the idea that people should be, and do, what we want them to. The truth is, all is as it should be, despite appearances or our perceptions of others to the contrary.

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.

Examine your opinions about others. 

Are your opinions about other people really yours?
Or have you adopted other people's opinions?

We're shaped and influenced by other people's ideas.
But our opinions should be a reflection of what we really think and feel, right?

Connect with your values and then create your own opinions.

Message for the day

To move forward with respect is to be free from punishment.

Thought to ponder: The biggest punishment that one faces is that of repentance. When I am clear about the way I am going, about my own values, I would find that I move forward with self-respect. Then, there is no repentance or regret, but only learning for the future. The steps that I take are sure and firm at every step. 

Point to practice: Today I will make myself free from regret. I will not allow guilt or negativity about the self to crop up in my mind and corrupt it. I will only create positive thoughts about myself and perform every action in that consciousness. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 12, 2020: Create Vision

Contemplation: June 12, 2020: Create Vision

Create Vision

Never believe anyone who says we cannot change. Vision is one of the secrets of personal transformation. We are all artists, our mind is the arena of creation and vision is what we are constantly creating. What is your vision of yourself today - patient, relaxed, positive or tense, tight and negative? What do you prefer? So be creative - what does patience look like, feel like, what are you doing that is different when you are patient and you are expressing your power to ...wait? Always start with vision not action. See it and you will be it. Be it and you will do it. This is how we create our own life.

The I Inside (Part 3)

If we continue to love our specialties, our personality or our role for the most part of our life, then over a period of time we forget the real self which is waiting to be recognized. Every time I think I am one of the above, I become more and more disconnected with my real self which is going to give me a more permanent self-esteem or pride and as a result a permanent happiness. The personality skills, the sparkling education success and the way I dress up, these are all temporary because don’t forget life is a roller coaster where success can easily leave me within a short period of time. So, enjoy all of them because even they are attainments and enjoying attainments is not being materialistic or non-spiritual but don’t become dependent on them for your happiness. On the other hand, the source of all the specialties and personality – the real I is a sum total of the basic qualities of the soul – peace, love and joy and all that is good inside which is eternal and also the relationship of the I or myself with a higher source which is also imperishable (un-destroyable) is what I need to be dependent on because it will never leave me.

Don’t forget, in our earliest births as pure deities, we were extremely skilled, very beautiful and very rich, so much so that everything good that a human being can have physically was with us, yet we were completely detached from all these attainments, enjoying all of them. That too at a time when these attainments were imperishable, because that was the original world, a world of happiness. But, now all these attainments in our life are no longer permanent and can very easily go away from us in a split second because we live in a world which is unpredictable and with many ups and downs. No skill or role has with it the assurance of being permanent. On the other hand, it is the time when the imperishable I is the one which stands by us permanently. So, it is this I the hand of which we need to hold tight permanently and also connect the I with a permanent source – the Supreme Soul and enjoy every moment of life with complete security, surety and safety.

To keep the mind free and light is to get a detached perspective. 

When I keep my mind free from the burden of negativity and waste, I am free and light. This lightness gives me the ability to rise above clouds of despair and mountains of confusion. So, I don't have to work hard to understand and cross over them. I automatically get a detached perspective and am able to understand and cross over all obstacles easily. Today I will be an audience to my situation. I will see all aspects of the situation with detachment. I will then become a director and change the script in order to take it to a better conclusion. I need to make even the smallest contribution I can.

Message for the day

To know the art of moulding and controlling is to be a master.

Thought to ponder: Just as a driver knows when to turn the steering, when to apply the brake or when to press the accelerator, I too, in life need to know this art. When I am able to use this power of moulding and controlling in the right way, I will be an expert in handling situations and will deal well with situations. I will then be a master. 

Point to practice: Today I will be prepared and in control. When people do take me for a surprise, I will be alert and be ready to move ahead. I will not let any accidents happen nor will I be led away from my path. With my vision firmly on my goal, I will move ahead. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 13, 2020: Free From Gossip

Contemplation: June 13, 2020: Free From Gossip

Free From Gossip

When someone is talking about another person's shortcomings, I need to question why I am listening: is this information of any use to me, or can I do anything about the situation? If not, then I need to remind myself that there is no use in listening to such talk. Instead, I need to make an attempt to look at the positive qualities of the person in question, and think about how I can help everyone focus on these instead.

Soul Power Over Role Power (Part 1)

Every act that we are involved in throughout the day is made possible or real by two entities - role and soul working in conjunction with each other. Although, it is a spiritual fact that the soul is the master and makes the role function, without the soul the role cannot function; while playing any role in our day-to-day life we tend to forget this fact and our entire focus falls on the role that is to be played, forgetting that by doing that, we bring down the probability of success of that role in our personal or professional life. Focusing positively on the soul and its components while playing the role fills the role with soul power and focusing on the role and its components while playing the role fills the role with something you could call role power. We need to create a balance between the role and the soul and a balance in using both role and soul power to bring about the success of the role, the role could be of any type. Even a project that you have to work on in the office which is going to last for a month is an example of a temporary role you have to play. There are many other examples of roles - getting your child’s homework done, preparing food for the entire family, doing charity work at the club together, taking part in an extracurricular activity in school or college, etc.

Any such or other role will consist of some or all of these components - various tasks, interaction with people or relationships, mediums like wealth and other objects, time, knowledge of everything connected with the role including the components that make up the role, etc. All these components are physical in nature and make up the role. The power that these components possess makes up what we call role power. Now, what happens is that as soon as we step into the role each day or on a particular day, obviously our aim is to bring about success of the role, but to achieve that, our entire focus falls on using the power of the role, neglecting the immense potential that soul power possesses. We spend our day and night in streamlining the role components for the well being of the role, not realizing that this purpose could be more easily achieved, if the focus is more on using soul power, obviously without neglecting role power (without which the purpose cannot be achieved).

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

To travel light is to enjoy the journey of life. 

I can travel far in life when I am free from the baggage of the past. I also take only the essence from everything, packing up essencefully. So, I am light. I never stop because of anything. Instead, I learn from everything, pack up the essence and move forward. Today I will resolve one thing from my past that I have been carrying as a burden. I will try and understand what learning I can take from it. Once I take the learning, I don't have to relive those feelings that I had during the situation. If I can't resolve it today, I'll at least believe and have faith that it will happen tomorrow. This finishes the burden of the situation and brings lightness.

Message for the day

The treasure of thoughts is the biggest treasure.

Thought to ponder: When I think negative or waste, there is a high speed of my thoughts. Such thoughts are not powerful. On the other hand, when my thoughts are positive, there are few powerful thoughts. Such thoughts create a positive impact. 

Point to practice: Today I will check my thoughts. I will also create a beautiful thought that I will sustain throughout the day. "I have the power to influence my life" "I am the master" is a simple positive thought that will lessen the speed of my thoughts and make me powerful. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 11, 2020: Forgiveness Will Bring Me Closer

Contemplation: June 11, 2020: Forgiveness Will Bring Me Closer

Forgiveness Will Bring Me Closer

Why is it hard to forgive others? Usually because we believe that they are 90% to blame for the problem, that I am not as bad as they are. So I start to carry the load of other people's actions. If my ego is too hurt, I will have the sense of correction, of justice: “I know I am right”, “That is not fair”. But if I start to forgive from the heart, sincerely, then this kind of feeling and attitude begins to dissolve. I remain humble and this forgiveness will bring me closer to others. Then I do not carry regrets or anger, I just let go and remain light.

The I Inside (Part 2)

We all are used to seeing ourselves with the spectacles of others’ perceptions which are all based on physical attitudes and clouded by the worldly view. Today, we look at ourselves with a lot of respect for all that we think is good in us and based on what others tell us about us. And then, suddenly someone criticizes us and we become depressed and lose our mood to the other person’s perception. All this because we have learnt to identify with things other than the real I. Suppose I identify with what specialties I possess e.g. I am a good debater (speaker) and this specialty has bought me a whole lot of praises from people around me all through my academic career. Over a period of time people start praising you regularly for that and the identification gets stronger. Identification means losing yourself in the object of your attachment so much that you completely forget that this is not the real you. In this case, the skill of debating (speaking) with confidence is a characteristic which I possess, which can easily lose its importance if I don’t get an opportunity to express it as I become older or am out of school or college. So, what happened to the object of my attachment with which I identified myself? Suddenly it gets back at me and the same object starts giving me sorrow if the praise that I am used to receiving because of it is no longer available. In this situation, wouldn’t it have been better that I shouldn’t have attached myself so much to this characteristic in the first place. The more the identification, the more the sorrow experienced.

So, a simple way of not experiencing sorrow in the above case is being happy and feeling lucky for what we possess but at the same time keeping a relationship of detachment with the  characteristic of how we express ourselves through our words and deliver our ideas through our voice. A relationship of detachment means not losing myself in the characteristic but playing my role with it and even keeping a pure pride that I possess the characteristic which can also be called self-esteem, but at the same time not get over-awed or over self-impressed by the characteristic. That would lead to a healthier relationship with my attainment, which if it is reduced or is lessened by any chance or not praised any more as much as before, it will not harm my self-esteem and give me unhappiness at any point of time.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

Life is all about choices. 

When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. 

You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. 

The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life.

Message for the day

The power of silence can bring peace to any situation.

Thought to ponder: The instruments for the power of silence are pure thoughts and pure feelings. You can give others an experience with the power of your silence. When you understand and experience the power of silence you will become more powerful. You will then be able to experience peace that you will be able to spread to others too. 

Point to practice: When you have to correct someone in any situation remind yourself that words will not work but silence based on pure feelings and love will surely work. When you accept the person as he is with love you will be able to bring about a change in him. Remember that the lesser you talk the more the peace that is created. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/

Contemplation: June 10, 2020: Giving

Contemplation: June 10, 2020: Giving

Giving

With habits, never give in or we lose our dignity,

With the self, never give up or we lose our destiny,

With others never give your worst or you will never develop your best.

The saying, “what we give is what we receive”.

The lesson: Just to give.

The I Inside (Part 1)

We all live our lives at a fast pace, finishing one scene and entering the next one after forgetting the first scene and sometimes carrying its memories into the second one. But have we wondered or stopped to ask ourselves that is our identity which we use to perform our actions one of our profession or role or how we look or dress up or carry ourselves or for that matter our gender or the country or caste which we belong to?When we use the term self-identity, two words come to our mind – one is what we call self or me or I and the other is identifying with what i.e. I, the self, am identifying with what? Very often I am identifying with what I am not or what I seem to be but I am not in reality. The looks and the personality as well as the education are acquired but what I am really is what I am before I learn my education and shape up into the features that I have. You might say that this is an old story of spirituality, but what we need to train ourselves from today to do is to start seeing ourselves in the mirror of spirituality and start observing the real I or me – the one that is invisible to the physical eyes but is the core of what we call ourselves – human beings. As in a coconut, the softer inner surface or the core or center is what gives us strength whereas the hard exterior is what is not eaten or is lesser important.

People who are used to the common practice of seeing in the physical mirror before starting their day are reminded of so many physical characteristics mentioned above that they forget that behind the acquired exterior is a non-visible interior that also requires cleaning up and being dressed up. This is because that is what comes into contact with people’s hearts – people whom we meet everyday, and also it is the inner face that will impress people after they have temporarily been impressed by the clothes we wear and how beautiful we are. After all it is the smile that is more important than the shirt. What use is a good looking suit if the person wearing the suit is egoistic and jealousy filled? Living life in the essence of the inner self is the way of reaching out to others with love and compassion and remaining contented yourself also.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

To believe in success is to have the power not to give up. 

The power of determination combined with faith in the vision of success, inspires us to put in relentless efforts. It is these efforts which help us move towards success. Success is first in our minds. When I start with that, I will be undeterred with the little setbacks I face. I will be able to put in the right efforts for success because I believe in it. Today I will not run away from problems, but will race towards solutions. For something I have wanted to do and is not happening, I will try one more thing. Today I will try once more, one more new idea. I will not give up till I succeed, because I am destined to succeed.

Message for the day

To be generous hearted is to bestow others with your specialities and virtues.

Thought to ponder: When you are generous you will become cooperative and enable others to become virtuous through your virtues and fill others with your specialities. The more you use your specialities in this way, the more you will find them increasing. 

Point to practice: Think of something that is very special in you. Today take the thought of using this speciality of yours for someone's benefit. Not only will others benefit with this, you will find yourself improving too.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

https://astudypoint.blogspot.com/