Thought for Today

Understanding and Overcoming Ego.

(..countinued)

To conquer ego, humility and honesty are required. We need the courage to look into the self honestly and acknowledge that the characteristics of 'I know' and 'I control' exist and have to be removed, if there is to be truth and happiness inside. We need to remember the original 'I am' e.g. “I am a child of the Supreme Soul, similar to him in qualities and powers”, “I am the soul which is seated on the Supreme Being’s (God’s) heart throne”, “I am a knowledgeful soul”, “I am a blissful soul who gifts everyone with the treasure of happiness” etc.

Through meditation and remembering the true ‘I am’ (shared above), the pollution of the selfish ego is gradually replaced by the remembrance and the experience of the pure self: the 'I' that is not attached to anything, or anyone, but is completely whole within itself. The expression of this pure entity is not selfish but selfless and the person begins to share with others, everything that he/she possesses – knowledge, specialities, talents, virtues etc. where necessary, facilitating the awakening of the true potential of others, just like sunlight. Light is a great facilitator. It steps in, awakens and then moves on. An ego less person acts, interacts and expresses themselves in this way.

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Message for the day 30-03-2011

Determination with patience brings success.

Projection:

When we take up something new, we are quite determined and we would like to give our best to the end. We do that too. Yet we find that many times, we give up the task before we achieve success. We then tend to wonder at the cause for this lack of success, to the extent that we could label ourselves as failure.

Solution:

When I begin to do something, along with determination, I also need patience. Patience helps me to wait and watch calmly for the fruit of my effort to be seen. I am not in a hurry, yet I don't give up putting in effort. Patience gives me the ability to go on planting new seeds of effort knowing the fruit is sure to come. And so there is never failure, but only a journey towards success.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

To Complement And Not To Compete

Harmony, well-being and the fulfillment of individual purpose are only possible when our consciousness is universal or inclusive (taking everyone into consideration) in the sense that we can recognize and appreciate the purpose and necessity of all things in life and, therefore, give them the space to express their basic right to be. When people, either on an individual or collective level are no longer universal or they are exclusive (no longer taking everyone into consideration), that is, when the foundation of their identity is based on ego and superiority, then harmony, peace and certainly love are lost both in the individual and in society. Individuals, societies, nations, religions and politics all do not remain universal when they are gifted a particular specialty, talent or position. While it is healthy and necessary to value who you are, it becomes most unhealthy and violent to become attached to your special qualities, making others feel inferior because they do not possess those same qualities. The reason for conflict, on any level, is nearly always this sense of right to dominate or suppress others because we feel we are better in one way or another. Unfortunately, in modern society, the idea of outdoing others in order to prove the value of the person, or idea, has overtaken the basic principle of life, which is complementarity. When we learn to complement rather than compete, there will be peace and, above all, self-respect. Self-respect means to recognize myself as I am and thus fulfill my purpose without injury to, or comparison with, others.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Understanding and Overcoming Ego.

Identification with the ego and the external self creates a false identity and extremes of feeling inferior, or superior, depending on the circumstances and people. It brings with it the thought of 'I am', which is based on gender, religion, nationality, achievement or talent, creating an attachment to the self, which always compares and competes with others. This insecurity leads a person into forcing others to act and think in the same way as them. An egoistic person, rather than recognizing that everyone is unique with a unique personality and has a right to express his/her respective personality, sees difference in personalities as a threat to himself/herself.

Where there is such ego, only 'yes' people (who have the same opinion as yours) are allowed to come close: anyone with a difference of opinion is rejected. With ego, the original uniqueness of the self is denied, unrecognized and buried deep in the layers of wrong identity. This is why, these days, there is such an identity crisis - humanity has lost its soul, or rather, sold its soul to external traditions and attractions.

With ego, then: is the idea of ‘I know best' and consequently the misunderstood duty and right to control and manipulate others, in their best interests (supposedly)! This results in the spoiling of the creativity and uniqueness of others.

(continued...)

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Message for the day 29-03-2011

A single positive thought can make the mind powerful.

Projection:

When a negative thought comes in my mind regarding the self, another person or a situation, the mind is usually filled with a lot more negative thoughts. Lots of thoughts from the past too come up in the mind, which further take the mind towards negativity.

Solution:

I need to take up the challenge of creating a positive thought even in the most negative situation. Doing this will help me break the cycle of negativity. The positive thought that I take need not be connected to the present situation, but it could be any thought that will take me towards positivity.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

A Basic Meditation For Beginners (cont.)

Referring to yesterday’s meditation, when you sit to meditate, choose the quietest and most peaceful place you can find, either in your home or in your office or anywhere else, preferably in a place that you do not use very often. If this isn't possible, sit where the objects in the room around you won't divert your attention. If you can, set this place aside purely for the purpose of meditation. You could also choose to sit in the proximity (closeness) of nature. Start with ten or fifteen minutes. Then gradually increase the time. Soft or subdued lighting will help as will some soft background music of your choice.

The basic meditation, explained yesterday, is simple to do, relaxing and energizing, and easy to integrate into your busy schedule, whether at your workplace or home. All you need are three or four minutes anywhere, any time. Note, how you consciously use your mind to relax your body. Once your body is relaxed, it allows you to give your mind with positive, unbroken attention. The more you practice this meditation, the easier it becomes. Eventually you won't need to work through your body, muscle by muscle - it will relax almost instantly with just one thought. This basic mind-body relaxation experience is the foundation for advanced and deeper meditations.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

When we're cooking, our minds are working. When we're stirring and rolling and baking, we're thinking. Thinking creates vibrations because that's what thoughts do. The vibes affect both the food and the people who eat the food. So, cook with care; watch out for what's you're thinking; and don't forget that in the best of recipes, love is the secret ingredient.

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Message for the day 28-03-2011

To pack up from the past is to finish the negative impact of the past.

Projection:

We usually find ourselves to be slaves of the past. The situation has occurred and has gone by but we are not able to forgive and forget the past. We continue to think about it again and again. This brings about the same feelings and experience of the past and we are simply caught up in it.

Solution:

I need to free my mind of the past. I need to see what I have learnt from the past situation, take that and be free from it. I need to forgive and forget. I can forget only when I forgive and I can forgive only when I learn. When I take the learning from every situation. I am able to be free from being a slave of the past.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

A Basic Meditation For Beginners

Sit comfortably in a quite place, which you have chosen for your meditation practice...
Close your eyes and, for a minute or two, allow your body and mind to slow down i.e. less active, by remaining still and quiet...
While keeping your eyes closed, take your attention to your toes...
Clench them tightly for a few moments, then relax them for a few moments...
Work slowly upwards, tensing and then releasing and relaxing all your body parts… do this for your calves, then your thighs, stomach, etc...
Be aware that your whole body is now relaxed in the chair and that all your attention is focused in the centre of the forehead, just above the eyebrows...
With your attention focused only on your thoughts, experience that your thoughts are floating to the surface, now imagine that they are dissolving...
Allow quietness and peace to fill your mind - as if you were listening to silence inside the temple of your mind...
If any sensation or thoughts come to distract you, simply let them pass through your mind...
Then return your attention to the quietness in your mind...
Acknowledge your inner tranquility with a quiet thought, "My mind is now relaxed, and I feel more peaceful"...
After a few minutes, bring your awareness back to the room in the present moment.

Tomorrow we shall explain some of the precautions one can take while doing this meditation, to make it successful.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Are your emotions easily affected by people and events? I so, then like the sea, when the weather is calm your waves roll gently. But when stormy winds blow, you become wild and out of control. If you make time to dive deep into the sea, beneath your emotions, you will experience a world of stillness and great strength. Then, you'll stay unaffected - resilient to the winds of change.

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Message for the day 27-03-2011

To be cool is to work to build relationships.

Projection:

It is easy to speak negatively when we do not like something about someone. We first react to them in our mind and so tend to get angry. Our words and behaviour would then naturally be negative and insulting too. This further widens the gap and breaks the relationship.

Solution:

When someone does something undesired, I first need to try and understand his behaviour. Every person has a reason to behave the way he does. If I can’t understand at that time, I at least need to give it time. The more I react to the other person and his behaviour, the greater the distance that is created. So I need to begin the first step of positivity by recognizing some positivity in him.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Anger Management

There are some false notions (ideas) about anger that we have acquired, which we use to justify and nourish our anger:

1. I do not get angry. The actions of others make me so.
Fact: At all times, and in all places you and only you are the creator of your thoughts and feelings and are completely responsible for them, not anyone else.
Tip For Transformation: The regular practice of meditation empowers you to become the ruler of your mind, intellect and thoughts.

2. I need to use anger to motivate others.
Fact: Trust and respect, the foundations (basis) of any relationship, at home or in the office, are never built by anger. In the long term, angry outbursts damage any leadership qualities you may have. Anger kills motivation within oneself and will most probably negatively influence others' motivation.
Tip For Transformation: Meditation helps you practice acceptance and respect for others as they are.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

How often do you find yourself saying, "I'll be happy when..?" Do you keep one eye on the task and the other eye on the clock? Forward-looking steals our happiness. When we don't enjoy what we do, we spend more time correcting or dealing with a lack of success. Instead, put your heart into what you do, make the most mundane tasks fun and enjoy happiness at every moment.

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Message for the day 26-03-2011

Success is achieved through accurate efforts.

Projection:

Normally we tend to associate success with what we get, rather than how much effort we put in. So sometimes when things don’t turn out the way we expect them to, we tend to have negative feelings because of the thought of being unsuccessful. So we tend to stop putting in further efforts for success.

Solution:

When I put in accurate efforts for the success of every task, I naturally try to do the best. Because of my own contribution, others too help me and contribute whatever they can to achieve what I set out to do. So there is success in everything. When I do the right thing, I will be able to experience constant self-progress, even if the result is not what I have expected.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

The Location Of The Soul Inside The Body

The soul has the following basic functions to perform:

• to give life to the body and to maintain life inside it,
• to express and experience its role through the body, and
• to receive the rewards or fruits of past actions performed in previous births, through the body.

These functions are controlled and monitored by the soul via the nervous and hormonal systems from a particular point in the area of the brain which contains the thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal glands. This region is known as the seat of the soul, or the "third eye". The connection between the physical (body) and the non-physical (soul) is by the medium of thought energy. Many religions and philosophies place great importance on the third eye, or "eye of the mind". When viewed from the front, this region appears to be between and slightly above the line of the eyebrows. It's for this reason that Hindus use a "tilak", a dot in red or sandalwood paste in the middle of the forehead. Christians also make the sign of the cross in this region. Even when one makes a mistake or expresses tiredness it's to this region that we put the hands in the gestures of self-dismay or exhaustion. After all the soul subconsciously knows that it makes the mistakes and not the body. When people are concentrating deeply in thought it is this area of the forehead where creases or lines are formed on the skin.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Do you find your mind overcrowded with thoughts?

Your creativity thrives when the mind has space to breathe. No walls, borders, boundaries, just an open horizon and unlimited possibilities; no wonder so many of us aspire to live in front of an ocean, a lake or an open vista. Simplicity allows there to be clarity, focus and solutions. Today, create inner space. Clear out all the inessential mental 'furniture' and only choose thoughts of the highest quality.

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Message for the day 25-03-2011

Lightness comes when words are accurate.

Projection:

Normally when we want to convey something to others, we tend to use a lot of words for it. Yet we find many times that our feelings are not conveyed. Then there is a tendency to use more words, creating a negative impact on others, sometimes even hurting others’ feelings. Also they don’t bring about accurate result.

Solution:

Accurate words means there is nothing extra spoken. Such words being short are sweet to hear too and are those that never hurt others. 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.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Crossing Negative Circumstances/Situations (cont.)

In order to have a wider perception and not to drown in any negative situation i.e. not to get affected by it, you can position yourself in a positive way. Instead of losing respect for the self and developing a negative consciousness, if you make your consciousness positive and stabilize yourself in respect towards yourself, in maintaining your positive and powerful self-esteem and a healthy distance (not necessarily physical distance, but rather by not letting the situation absorb you), you will be able to have an eagle's vision. From above, everything looks smaller. It is easier to get over something small. You can. “I am a victorious soul” or “I am a destroyer of obstacles” are examples of positive consciousness.

Whatever happens, it is important to always be aware that you create your thoughts and you allow the situations to have greater or lesser impact inside you, according to how you see them. Learn to create thoughts full of courage, trust and determination. Spirituality and the practice of meditation helps you do just that. Those thoughts, charged with positive energy, will help you to allow each situation to pass; to really overcome it and leave it behind; for it not to remain alive in your thoughts or in your memory.

With the power of a mind that creates thoughts full of good energy, wherever you go, you will create a pleasant atmosphere.Your vibrations will create spaces full of beauty, love, trust and peacefulness; spaces where all those who enter will remove their masks and will connect again with their true self.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

We're not automatically entitled to everything, but we are entitled to become our personal best. Nothing is impossible. Embrace this mind-set. Ignore any feelings of inadequacy. Avoid negativity at all costs. Work with faith, persistence and belief. Giving up on YOU is not an option.

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Message for the day 24-03-2011

To be constantly enthusiastic is to be an instrument for others' progress too.

Projection:

Whenever problems come my way, I tend to feel heavy with waste and negative thoughts. At that time I am not able to feel free and light. When there is heaviness in my mind, I can't move forward with enthusiasm and thereby find it difficult to contribute for others' progress too.

Solution:

Whatever the circumstances I am faced with, I need to make special effort not to reduce my enthusiasm in any way. Enthusiasm gives me courage and this courage in turn helps me use my own specialties for others’ benefit too. I begin to discover new resources within me, which can be used for everyone’s benefit.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Crossing Negative Circumstances/Situations (cont.)

The challenge lies in knowing what the strategy is to learn to live through negative situations without allowing them to influence our emotional and mental state.

In order to achieve that, in the first place, we should change our interpretation. Instead of interpreting the situation as an obstruction, interference or barrier to our path, we need to change our perception. We can ask ourselves questions like: What has this situation taught me? What does it say to me? Remain detached, observe and listen before reacting immediately. From detachment, observation and listening we can have a more practical and wider perception.

We are the creators of our realities. Reality, in itself, does not create for us stress, pain or unhappiness. It is our way of looking and interpretation of reality that brings about these reactions. Therefore, we have to review how we perceive situations and with what beliefs we interpret and judge them. Reinterpreting the situation, the concrete reality, implies allowing the old perception to die in order to make room for a new vision. Without the old dying, the new cannot be built correctly.

Instead of seeing people or situations as obstacles on the path, we can see them as opportunities to practice patience and tolerance, to know how to listen, thank and love. They allow us to widen our capacity to co-operate and enlarge our heart so that we might be more generous.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Peace has a number of synonyms, which all have slightly different shades of meaning:

Serenity
The feeling of contentment and being completely full with no need for further additions to the self; a feeing of satisfaction, of wholeness of the self.

Calmness
There are no disturbances or waves in the mind, like a pool of water that is clear and still with not even a ripple to disturb it.

Tranquility
Tranquility is the state of harmony in nature and in ourselves that keeps everything in balance naturally.

Quietness
In this state, there are no sounds of uncontrolled thoughts jumping around like a monkey in the mind; our thoughts become essenceful, returning to the point, with no expansion; it is an economy of thinking that creates quietness.

Stillness
There is no movement of thoughts. I remain absorbed in one thought and, in the stillness of silence, I am at rest, with a feeling of complete detachment from everything.

Peace has the meaning of harmony, balance, order and freedom: when we are free from waste and negativity, then we exist fully serene, fully at peace with everything.

Peace is my original energy and treasure and with the practice of meditation I step inside and experience it.

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Message for the day 23-03-2011

Words filled with good wishes bring change in others.

Projection:

Many times we do correct people, but we find that the effect of our words on others’ is not so much. We are at that time so caught up with what we need from the other person and our own expectations that we fail to understand the other person. So I don’t always find the result and sometimes find my relationship getting strained too.

Solution:

When there are good wishes combined with the words that I speak, there is love. Whatever is spoken with love is free from selfishness and 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. This also enables me to gain good wishes for having taken them a step forward.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Crossing Negative Circumstances/Situations

There are periods of life in which it seems to us that there is someone or something who gets in the way of our path. Circumstances, instead of going in our favor, go against us. They are barriers that make it difficult for us to reach our objectives; they are interruptions that prevent us from feeling satisfied; they are situations that seem to reduce our feelings of success.

When we find ourselves with these scenes that appear to block our progress towards the aims and objectives that we have set out for ourselves, we tend to have negative thoughts; we feel anger and rage, or we feel sad and unenthusiastic, as if we don't have the strength to either overcome or transform the situation. Rather it is the situation that overcomes or overpowers us and leaves us exhausted. Some people are not prepared for this to happen and put all their strength into fighting the situation. They do so with feelings of anger, revenge and injustice. Often it becomes a process that wastes their energies and leaves them exhausted, without achieving a true solution.

It is possible to live through situations without them causing such an emotional energy loss. That does not mean that we become cold and insensitive to what happens around us. It is a question of living through situations without drowning into them. If we drown ourselves in them we won't be able to help others or ourselves. We will be lost, like the shipwrecked, at the mercy of the waves, the tides and the winds. We will have lost the control of the steering wheel of our ship – our life.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

It is our habit to react in a negative, emotional way when someone says or thinks negatively about us. The feeling of being insulted and upset is a choice, which is in our hands, it is not a certainty. It doesn’t matter what anyone says or thinks about you, as long as you think well of yourself, then you will not lose your inner stability, your cool, your inner peace, your power and your ability to respond positively. It’s easy isn’t it? No! Why? The key is not making the opinion of yourself dependent on the opinion of others. If you do so, it is dangerous. Don’t worry about what anyone thinks about you. A hundred people in your life are all thinking different things about you – you can never know exactly what anyone of them is thinking, because you can never be in someone else’s mind. And even if you did know, are they not allowed to have their opinion? You know who you are, you know your own inner qualities and specialties…don’t you?

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Message for the day 22-03-2011

To be free from looking at others' negativity is to be a flawless diamond.

Projection:

I have some weaknesses which I constantly make effort to remove. But at the same time I also keep looking at and describing others' weaknesses. When I continue to do this, the negativity naturally comes within me too.

Solution:

It is positivity that appeals to me and not negativity. So I need to make a conscious effort to pick out virtues specially from those people whom I see negativity in. This practice enables me to be free from the influence of others' negativity.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Symptoms Of Stress

When we feel stressed we experience certain physiological (related to the body) and psychological (related to the mind) symptoms, whose importance we may not fully understand. These are normal signs that we should re-check our priorities – our body, or our state of mind, is telling us that something in our lives needs to change. Listed here are some of the common signs:

1. Loneliness – We may feel isolated (lonely) from friends and family, or experience a lasting sense of being "lonely in a crowd".

2. Insecurity – We may suddenly feel shy or exposed around people with whom we are usually filled with confidence. Or we may believe that we are always being judged or criticized.

3. Loss of concentration and memory – We may find it hard to recall recent conversations or promises. We may often feel confused, so that understanding and remembering information could also be very difficult.

4. Fatigue (Tiredness) and sleeping difficulties – Although we may feel constantly tired, we could also find it impossible to get to sleep.

5. Tears and mood swings – One of the most common symptoms is that we cry easily. We may also experience mood swings – joyousness followed by sadness or vice versa.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

To consult your conscience: sit quietly and calm the mind, allow peace to fill your heart and then place a question before your conscience, your innate wisdom.

Then let go and listen for a response. Be patient and there will be a response; often when you have stopped wanting it and when you least expect it!

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Message for the day 21-03-2011

To have true love means to provide an environment for others’ growth.

Projection:

Usually in relationships we begin to expect from people whom we get close to. We feel that because we have love for them we have a right over them. Because of our expectations we are not able to give the other person freedom to move forward or progress.

Solution:

When I have true love I am able to provide the right environment for people so that they can bring about progress in their life. I will not hold on to them and expect them to do everything according to my needs, but give them real support.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Does Greed Fulfill?

The false intention and assumption behind greed, in the form of a thought and feeling, is 'the more I have, the more I am'. It is a combination of trying to add to the value of the self through material possessions, position, role, talent or achievements and then becoming attached to these as a form of identity, finally leading to personal collapse. To try to add to the sense of self in this way has the effect of diverting oneself from the real self, which is why, in many cases, a person who has everything material is left with the feeling of being empty, disorientated and even fearful.

We cannot accumulate, or rely on the external, to create a sense of personal value.

People often try to fill the void of personal inadequacy or emptiness through greed, but this 'method' goes against natural, universal laws. All that I am, all that I can be, all that will make me truly happy must begin from inside the self. We have to start from the inside out, not the other way round, otherwise we create desires that have no end, like the ten-headed “Ravana” - every time “Ram” cut off one of his heads, another grew in its place. “Ravana” did not die until “Ram” aimed for his heart. Desires are created from wanting one thing or another, believing that we will find achievement when those desires are fulfilled. This pattern of behavior keeps deceiving us and the proof of this is seen in the state of discontentment and emptiness people find themselves in.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

It's great to be in control, and it's great to let go. Let go of your expectations and fixed ideas about how things should be done. Don't try to force things to happen. Just do as much as you can, then step back and see what takes shape

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Message for the day 20-03-2011

The one who has the power of truth is the one who can tolerate.

Projection:

When someone disbelieves me I usually tend to argue back and try to prove my point to the others but find that I am not able to convince them. Yet I find that the more I talk the less I am listened to. And I only end up getting frustrated.

Solution:

When someone challenges the truth of my words, I need to check within myself if there is something that I can correct or learn. When I learn to do this, instead of being stubborn with what I have to say or blaming others, I find it easy to tolerate.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

What Should We Value More - The Soul Or The Body?

When the soul leaves the body, it's not just the body that dies but it's as if all the connections with the world of that individual are simply switched off. Not only the relationships but all specific plans, projects and desires suddenly have no further means (medium) through which they can be expressed or put into practice. The powers of thinking, deciding and the personality traits (‘sanskaras’) connected with the life that is being left behind, stop and get hidden momentarily to emerge again in a new body, a new life. All the material things that belonged to that particular individual are passed on to others.

It's interesting to note that even when the body is sick it can only be treated when the soul is still present. If we take out the soul no one remains to look after the body.

On the other hand, the body is a truly marvelous vehicle for the soul to express itself through. No manufactured machine could hope to compete. For example, it is calculated that in just one day, the brain is able to complete a hundred times more connections than the entire telecommunications system of the planet. Or compare the human eye with any manufactured camera or the heart with any manufactured pump. The body's importance cannot be played down or not taken into account.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

The vision of purity is celebrating the festival (Holi) of being able to color each other with the influence of forgetting all other ill-feelings and of remembering that we are of one family that we are all the same.

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Message for the day 19-03-2011

The ones who have the power to transform negativity into positivity are the ones who are constantly cheerful.

Projection:

The usual reaction to negativity is to be negative too. The perception of this negativity tends to make me feel disheartened and I tend to lose my inner happiness. Once I have perceived the negativity, even if I do try to forgive the person and forget the harm done, I find it difficult to do so.

Solution:

When I see someone working with some negative quality, what I need to do is to look at the positivity that is hidden behind the perceived negativity. The more I am able to look at people's specialities the more I am able to forgive their weaknesses and this keeps me constantly cheerful.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

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).

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

If our attention is focused on people's defects and weaknesses, we transmit energy to these aspects and strengthen these weaknesses in the other person and in ourselves. If, on the other hand, our attention is directed at the positive aspects of others, we reinforce these qualities and virtues and help this person express them, which is also beneficial to us.

Our personality is made up of a series of values, beliefs and habits. If we wish to transfer our energy to new and positive aspects of ourselves, we must choose the personality traits that we want to emerge from us, focusing our time and energy on them and, in this way, this virtue, value or quality will manifest itself in our life.

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Message for the day 18-03-2011

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

Projection:

Normally it is understood that to get the best role is to be a hero actor. So we are more inclined towards a role where we can get people’s praise. If people praise us we feel good about it and if they don’t we are disappointed. We are usually dependent on people’s appreciation. yet it doesn’t come by so consistently.

Solution:

I am a hero actor when I have attention on every act of mine. I make sure that none of my words or actions are ordinary or waste. I ensure perfection in everything that I do. 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.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

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. Today we take up:

Joining

We can take the third meaning of meditation from the Sanskrit word yoga. By understanding this word, we learn how to get divine cooperation, or put in another way, a certain external spiritual power that can liberate us and help us to dialogue positively with the self (explained yesterday). The word yoga means "bringing together" or "joining again". Joining again with what or with whom? Firstly, with our original and eternal self: the soul, and secondly, with the eternal Supreme Source of all positive power and energy; this Source helps us to recharge ourselves with energy and to know ourselves.

At this time in the history of humanity, humans have lost the mastery and control over themselves. They do not have continual peace or a sense of purpose, happiness or fullness. The human soul needs to be recharged. Although the soul has great potential in its inner self, it needs a source of external energy for the latent (hidden) powers and virtues to emerge, just as occurs with seeds in nature. The seeds of plants and trees have their own source of inner energy. However, this energy cannot be released without the actions of an external energy source, in this case the energy of the sun. Through the power of sunlight, the seeds in the earth will sprout and flourish.

The human body has its own energy, but needs external sources of energy on a daily basis: air, sunlight, water and food. Without these external sources, the human body would die. The external source of power that helps the latent virtues emerge in the human being is not physical, since the human soul is not physical either. This source of power has traditionally been called God or the Supreme Being: in fact it has been given many names.

(To be continued tomorrow….)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

The Law of Focus and Attention

Wherever we focus our attention is where our thoughts are directed with most frequency and interest. Thus energy is produced in this direction, whether positive and beneficial energy or negative and harmful energy.

If we have a complicated mind, which thinks too much about certain things unnecessarily, our attention may be led towards the obstacles, problems, upsets and the things we worry about from a critical and negative viewpoint. By paying more attention to difficulties and problems, we feed these types of thoughts with our attention, so that we end up attracting these situations towards us. Finally, the problems and obstacles absorb us due to the amount of energy we have invested in them, turning what was perhaps a molehill into a mountain.

The situation does not necessarily change immediately on changing our attitude. With this inner change, however, we will have more energy, clarity and determination to face up to and change the situation. When we focus on seeking solutions to problems and difficulties with a positive and enthusiastic attitude, we attract positive energy towards us, and this helps us transform mountains into molehills.

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Message for the day 17-03-2011

The one desire for perfection ends all other desires.

Projection:

Normally our life is filled with desires. One desire is fulfilled and ten others take its place. When these desires are not fulfilled, we tend to get disturbed or upset. Yet we justify our desires and feel that they are necessary for us. Life for us is filled with constant expectations and disappointments coming from unfulfilled desires.

Solution:

The desire for perfection brings the capacity to keep on learning from all situations. There is something new to learn so I experience constant progress. Since the mind is busy with bringing about perfection, there is no time for waste and negative. I have the ability to transform negative to positive. I have no thought about what I have to get, but continue to attain from each moment and each situation. I am then naturally free from all other desires, yet experience progress.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

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. Today we take up:

Dialogue

In Greek, the word "meditation" is translated as “dialogismos”, from which comes the English word dialogue. Meditation is a dialogue with oneself, with the true self; a very necessary process for developing self-knowledge and accumulating inner strength.

The basis of spiritual dialogue with oneself is introspection. Introspection is the ability to examine and change oneself, as one wants to or should do. Without a consistent re-evaluation of our attitudes and thought models, negative habits easily dominate our consciousness. A healthy dialogue with our inner selves means that we interact positively with others, without being trapped or lost in ourselves. Introspection involves being an observer: observing and not reacting to situations or people with negative emotions such as anger, hate, fear, resentment and jealousy. Being detached observers helps us conserve our inner energy and keeps us spiritually, mentally and emotionally healthy.

(To be continued tomorrow….)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Stress Management

Most of us have learned to believe some stress is both natural and necessary. One of the most powerful illusions, which keep us locked in stressful lifestyle, is the idea that our stress is caused by circumstances, events and other people. As long as you think this way you will always be in self-created pain. Some people have been in pain for so long they cannot imagine being pain free, and real relaxation is a dim and distant memory. So they justify their pain as a natural part of living and then feel that others are a cause of this pain. This is dangerous. To listen to the messenger of pain means seeing and acknowledging our stress as our own creation. It is the result of how we respond to the uncontrollables in life i.e. circumstances, events and other people. No one else creates our responses.

If you can see and accept that you create your own stress according to how you are responding, you will then see that there is something you need to unlearn as well as learn. The old response needs to be unlearned, and a new positive response needs to be learned. The regular practice of meditation enables you to do that and become free from stress. If we want to change a habit, then where do we start? In other words, where do we change the system or how do we get out of the cycle? First of all, we can try changing our negative actions: for example, stop a negative habit like smoking. In many cases, although we change our behaviour, but because we have not understood deeply why we wanted to do it, is quite possible that one day we will go back to this old habit.

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Message for the day 16-03-2011

Where there is faith there is victory

Projection:

When we lack faith, first in ourselves we are assailed with doubts and questions about the self, others or situations. This doubt makes us lose the most important resource of our life – our thoughts. We are not able to think well and make the right decisions. So victory eludes us and we further develop negative feelings.

Solution:

When I have faith, I experience myself to be lucky and thus receive cooperation from many others. I am able to see and understand simple things in life with newness, thus showing me the direction and courage to go on. I am successful at every step. There is then no worry for me and am untroubled by aspects that keep changing around me. My thoughts then would always be positive and I experience victory.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Meditation - A Process Of “Cleansing”, “Dialogue” And “Joining”

Meditation can be defined as a process of cleansing, a process of dialogue and a process of joining. Today we take up:

Cleansing

Meditation is a useful method to help human beings redirect their life positively and healthily, and to achieve inner stability. The word meditation comes from the Latin word “mederi”, which means "cure". Curing the inner self is not a matter of taking medicines, but it involves re-establishing the balance through knowing oneself, having the correct attitudes and making the correct use of mental and emotional energy.

In meditation, we learn to observe our inner self and recover the resources that can cleanse (heal) and harmonize us: peace, love, truth, wisdom, purity and happiness. Through concentrated thought we learn to let these positive and pure energies manifest (show) themselves in our conscience and in our day-to-day actions.

(To be continued tomorrow….)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Some habits do not upset us, but others can cause irritation, frustration and desperation. We want to rid ourselves of them: but how?

When we look at the creation and fulfillment of thoughts, it looks like a closed system: the thoughts lead to actions, the actions create a series of impressions (sanskars), and these impressions are responsible for similar thoughts, which lead us to similar actions, this is a vicious cycle.
We can try changing our negative actions: for example, stop a negative habit like smoking. In many cases, although we change our behaviour, but because we have not understood deeply why we wanted to do it, is quite possible that one day we will go back to this old habit.

We can try changing this system in our subconscious. By analysing what is recorded in our subconscious, through different therapies, the results are not altogether satisfactory. There is always some traumatic event, or painful experience behind a fear which causes us to cling on to a negative habit. And although we can see and recognise our fears and anxieties, if we do not replace them with something better, with a more beneficial and healthier alternative, very often we will feel tempted to cling on to these old systems, even though they do not work and they make us unhappy. To eliminate certain things we have recorded in our subconscious, meditation and silence are the most effect non-violent methods.

Another method is to try and change our beliefs with positive affirmations (thoughts) that strengthen our willpower, and thus introduce a new habit to replace the old one. It is vital not to repeat this affirmation mechanically, but to introduce it into the system of beliefs we hold, and act as if we already were what we express in this affirmation.

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Message for the day 15-03-2011

To listen to others fully is to be able to be free from repeating mistakes.

Projection:

When there is criticism that comes one’s way, there is a tendency to ignore or to defend oneself. Naturally we then lose the power to listen. We then find that we are not able to correct our mistakes and so they repeat. We thus find that we are not able to experience progress.

Solution:

I need to carefully analyse to see if there is any truth in any criticism that comes my way. If there is, correction can be made accordingly. When I listen to others with honesty, I am able to discover even the most negligible aspect in my behaviour which I can change. So I find myself constantly improving and progressing and moving on towards success. So having brought about a change, even the criticism that comes my way stops.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Meditation On Self-Forgiveness

Sit comfortably and relax. Recall the feelings associated with some mistake or mistakes you have made in the past. Connect with any feelings of hatred and revenge; connect with any feelings of guilt and how you felt you had let others and yourself down; the shame and the humiliation you may have felt...

Now ask yourself: 'What good is it doing me or others by holding onto these feelings...? What benefits does it bring me? How does it help me, or the other people affected...?' (pause for 30 seconds).

Now, say the following to yourself inside your mind: 'I decide that I have held onto these feelings long enough and it is time to let them go... This is a matter of reason as they no longer serve me, and a matter of my will at a deep level to release them... I feel all these negative feelings and let them go... I release them... let them go...'

Now, unconditionally, forgive yourself... you have made a mistake... you have learned from that mistake... there is nothing to be gained from having feelings of guilt or shame... let them go... forgive yourself... forgive everyone else who may have contributed... it is time to let it go...

Now focus on your true self - a divine being of spiritual energy situated at the center of the forehead... focus on your inner feelings of peace... Think of and feel your inner qualities of honesty, tolerance, kindness and generosity. Focus on them, as this is who you truly are... a peaceful, compassionate, forgiving being of spiritual light... radiating these qualities to the world...

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Although your thoughts, attitudes, intentions and feelings are not visible, they do have an effect. They permeate the atmosphere and influence the mood in a room, like the aroma from an incense stick, curling through the air ...
Negative thoughts and intentions or a less than generous attitude release a heavy pungent odour. Kind thoughts, beneficial intentions, or an understanding attitude create a fragrant aroma, uplifting the atmosphere. What atmosphere are you creating?

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Message for the day 14-03-2011

To find reasons to be happy is to increase happiness.

Projection:

Sometimes we find ourselves caught up with feelings of negativity from which we are not able to free ourselves. At such a time even situations with no great significance are seen with a vision of negativity as the mind searches for reasons to be sad and sorrowful. So there is constantly an expression of words and actions that reflect the need for sympathy and reassurance.

Solution:

When I am happy, I start perceiving everything with that vision. It is like wearing coloured glasses. Whatever colour my glasses are, the whole world is coloured with it. Then, I am no longer able to perceive and recognize negativity and I am able to remain happy with everything. So I am able to really make everything beautiful again.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

False Attachments

Are you aware that whenever you lose your true self-awareness (soul-consciousness), you will identify with and get attached to something that is not you? It could be another person, your work, or some material possession. Let's say you are attached to your job and one day, due to rising costs, your company decides to downsize and starts laying off thousands of its employees - all of a sudden you are asked to leave. The attachment to and identification with your position in the company, which has become a habit (“sanskara”), causes the creation of fearful and angry thoughts (e.g., "I'm going to lose my job" (fear related to the future) or "How dare they downsize the company and damage my position (anger towards the company and its leadership)). The destructive energy of these thoughts becomes emotion (energy in motion) which then invades your entire mind so you cannot have clear and calm thoughts (the prime requirement of that moment). It hijacks your intellect so you cannot make correct, wise decisions and choices (also the prime requirement of that moment) for the future. Any connection you had with your inner peace is broken. All this happens because you forgot who you really are and had begun to think you are what you do. When seen from the point of view of this example it sounds ridiculous that we should identify with what we do or what we have, but this is currently how the world and its people work. So, never forget who you truly are!

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Meditation is the process of getting to know myself completely, both who l am ‘inside' and how I react to what is ‘outside’. Through meditation, I discover a very different ‘me' from perhaps the stressed or troubled person who may seem to be ‘me’. I realise that my true nature, the real me, is actually very positive. I begin to discover an ocean of peace right here on my own doorstep.

The simplest definition of meditation is: the right use of the mind or positive thinking. It is not to prevent thoughts from arising in the mind, but to use them correctly.

Meditation should be done for ten minutes at least twice a day. The best time is in the morning after a wash or shower, before you begin your day's activities. Another good time is in the evening, when your day's activities are over.

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Message for the day 13-03-2011

Silence enables one to listen to the solution for handling situations.

Projection:

In challenging situations, we normally tend to think a lot in order to find the right solution. But we find that the more we think, the more we are far from finding the solution. The mind continues to think negative and waste, making us go round in circles. So we are not really able to bring any concrete answers to our problem or challenge.

Solution:

Inner silence means an inner state of calm, which allows the best to come from within. When I am able to experience inner silence, or an inner state of calm in all situations, I am able to be free from problems, because I will not have the feeling of having a problem. Instead there will only be a feeling of having a solution and the confidence in doing the right thing. I will be able to use the best of my talent, creativity and inner power to do what has to be done.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Soul Sustenance 13-03-2011
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Self Realization (cont.)

People affected by anger lose their temper and become excited at the slightest provocation. Yet, when the event is over they find "peace" in going back to their normal nature. The same applies to all the other vices (greed, ego, lust and attachment), which are at the root of all emotional disturbances, strains, tensions and imbalances. This indicates that the vices are not the original nature of the soul.

If the soul thinks about its original nature and does everything with the realization "I am a soul, not a body," its original qualities reappear naturally. They are its basic values. It is worthless seeking them externally. It is like the musk deer running after the sweet smell of musk, unaware that it is coming from its own navel. Peace of mind is the soul’s property. It automatically flows from within it once it is soul-conscious.

The soul only has to let its original “sanskaras” become thoughts and keep them flowing. Whatever thoughts are in its mind that is the state it experiences. Soul-conscious thoughts bring peace of mind. Body-conscious thoughts disturb the soul. It is the soul who decides what state of mind to experience. It can either be peaceful, or in peacelessness. It is the soul who has the power of decision. The situation should not dictate to the soul.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Where we are with the truth, there is constant cheerfulness. When everything we do is based on truth, we will have no regrets. If there is any trace of falsehood we will begin to feel guilty. Inner cheer is automatically destroyed by a conscience that bites. In all that we do throughout the day let there be the aim in our mind that we do it the best. When we do everything to the best of our ability we will not regret later. We will then naturally be free from guilt and we will be constantly cheerful.

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Message for the day 12-03-2011

To be content is to neither to get upset nor to upset others.

Projection:

Many times I find that my words, actions or behaviour tend to upset others inspite of my not wanting to hurt them. I seem to be very happy with the situation, but others don't seem to be. At that time I am not really able to understand the reason for this and I consider the others to be unreasonable.

Solution:

I need to check myself when others are getting upset with me. I need to make effort to check and change myself constantly so that I am able to move along with the demands of time. This is what will bring about true contentment - such contentment that neither will I be upset nor will I upset others.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Self Realization

The soul, originally a star-like living energy point of perfect peace and purity, twinkling in the soul world is fully charged with spiritual energy, which it naturally displays as love, joy, peace and purity in its actions when it first comes into this physical world. Gradually by taking many births, it becomes attached to the sense organs and the various physical objects and it forgets its original values. Then it becomes a slave to five basic negative forces; anger, greed, ego, lust and attachment. These forces have their roots in body-consciousness, or the false belief that existence is entirely physical. Any time it suffers disappointment, worry or anxiety, it is due to the effect of anyone of these negative influences.

The soul forgets the heights of spiritual attainment and the delights of supersensuous joy (joy which is not experienced through the sense organs) thinking itself to be a body and it searches for peace and happiness through the sense organs. It mistakenly pursues worldly pleasures in an effort to regain its former state. It forgets its true identity, nature, home and Supreme Father.

While controlled by these negative forces, the soul cannot come back to its normal state of peace, happiness and bliss.

These vices are unwelcome intruders (entrants) into the soul’s original texture of purity. Until the vices have control over the soul, it will never restore its original qualities of peace, bliss, love, purity and knowledge.

(To be continued tomorrow ….)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

There is part of you that is perfect and pure. It is untouched by the less than perfect characteristics you've acquired by living in a less than perfect world. It is filled with divine qualities, so is a constant state of resourcefulness and well-being. Its total absence of conflict and negativity of any sort makes this part of you a Still-Point; a deep, enriching experience of Silence. Make time to practise reaching this inner place of Silence. It will bring you untold benefit.

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Message for the day 11-03-2011

To be careless means to misuse specialities.

Projection:

Most of the times, we are careless which means there is no awareness of one's specialities and so there is the inability to use them for the benefit of the self and for the good of others. Sometimes there is also a tendency to become overconfident because of these specialities and not to work on self-transformation. When we become careless in this way, we are not able to recognize the need for self-change and so we are not able to bring about transformation.

Solution:

When I am able to be free from carelessness, I am able to understand the importance of the specialities that I have, and am able to use every speciality that I have. The more I am able to bring out and use the latent specialities that are within me, I am able to experience quick transformation and constant progress.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

What Is True Love? (A Spiritual Perspective)

Emotional love can flower into true love when the fire of emotions cools down and is substituted by a wiser and more mature relationship. True love needs a fresh and renewing atmosphere, without fears.

When you feel spiritually full, you feel flowing over with pleasure, happiness, wellbeing, and that state helps you to accept the one whom you love as they are, because from your fullness you give and share and you don't need or expect anything from the other. While you need something that you want the other to satisfy, you will have expectations and the fear that those needs might not be satisfied, and you will get frustrated more easily. When you feel like a being of peace, a being of love, a tranquil being, a being that is spiritually full and satisfied, your relationship with others is a relationship of sharing on a level on which fear is not generated. You are not asking for or taking anything from the other. An elevated sharing of love, of happiness, of knowledge, of wisdom takes place, in which you do not generate a dependency on the other.

Attachments and dependencies, fears and insecurity, block our experience of love, of peace, serenity, freedom, happiness. When you have a feeling of love that takes you to a state of joy, to wholeness, but then you attach yourself to the object of your love, be it a person, or a property, automatically the feeling changes into fear: you fear to lose the object of your love and, instead of feeling wholeness and enjoyment, you feel fear. Over time that attachment turns into a dependency and you start to become inwardly empty: that is, your energy level goes down.

Love in its purest form is a like a spring that pours forth for the benefit of others. Learn the art of loving, being free and allowing to be. Pure, true, love is an unconditional love that flows freely. Do not cling (hold on to). Love does not cling.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

The Law of Surrender

According to what or whom your mind thinks consistently of, you will take on the form of the object or the person to which you have surrendered. We can see this in children, when they transfer their minds to actors they see on television, and then begin to behave like them.

What is the highest form to which we can surrender our self? There may be several answers to this question in our mind. Choose the truth from among them. So what is the truth?

Spirituality gives us answers to questions like: Who am I? Who is the Supreme Being? What is my relationship with him? Where do I come from? Where am I going? What is the purpose of my existence? What is the importance of the present time? How can the Supreme Being empower me at the present time?

The answers to these questions show us the way to surrendering our mind to the Supreme Being, which is the highest entity to which we can surrender. When we do that, gradually we get colored by his knowledge, virtues and powers.

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Message for the day 10-03-2011

The habit of thinking positive finishes negative.

Projection:

Usually it becomes very difficult or sometimes impossible for me to think positive in difficult situations. At that time, although I want to, the response that emerges from within is based on the habit that is formed previously. This further then is reinforced and becomes a stronger habit of thinking negative. And we find ourselves caught up in this viscious cycle of negativity.

Solution:

Just as it has become a habit of thinking negative, a positive habit when created will naturally bring about a change. A little practice and attention to form a habit of thinking positive will reveal its result of creating an influence of positivity. The situations will not change on their own, but the habit that has been formed will bring about a change in the response and will change the situation too. I then become free from the struggle of having to change my mind to positive in difficult situations.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Self Learning & Self Management

If we are to manage our self and our life successfully, it will help us to go back to school. Not the school of our childhood and not to learn physics and mathematics, but to learn about our inner selves - the one subject that was missing in all our educations. Are you ready to go back to school? Are you humble enough to put on the hat of the student and be a learner again? Are you interested enough to learn about the mechanisms of your own consciousness, which create the outcomes or results of your life? If you are interested and you do value continuous learning you will find that real learning has nothing to do with having to remember things (which we did in school), in fact, it is more like the opposite. The real lessons of life do not need to be remembered because they cannot be forgotten. That's what makes real learning a joyful, awakening and a spiritually empowering experience. When you do put on your learning hat again you will see that your life is your school, every scene is a workshop, your teachers are all around you, and every interaction carries a potential lesson to be looked at closely and learned. There are probably a million things you could know about yourself that would be useful, but not all would be immediately necessary. But there are a few basic things about the "self" that are immediately useful, and probably essential, to your well-being right now. These few basic things are what we are trying to share with you through the spiritual messages on a regular basis.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

What Is Consciousness?

The soul is conscient energy, aware of its own existence. Consciousness can be described as the feeling "I am" or "I exist". If you examine any thought-decision-action process, you will find that behind it, there is always the feeling: "I am something or the other". Consciousness is thus the springboard for thought, decisions and actions. In other words, the soul reacts to external circumstances according to how it regards itself at that particular moment.

E.g. a doctor is able to perform an operation when there is the consciousness of being a doctor. That very consciousness unlocks or gives the soul access to all the information and experience related to being a doctor. The soul when it has the consciousness of being a soul is able to have instant access to its own original qualities. As we have discussed, there are two different basic levels of consciousness; "I am a body" or .I am a soul," the former, illusory (false) and the latter, real. When the feeling is "I am a body," the thought process is trapped in the limitations, problems and vision of the physical identity. Its reaction to others is on the same level.

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Message for the day 09-03-2011

To be free from weakness means to have the power to mould.

Projection:

We do have certain weaknesses within us which makes it difficult for us to mould according to the needs of the situation. The weakness within us creates hardness and rigidity not allowing the situations to create internal beauty. So when we are working with our own weakness, we find it difficult to stop the negativity from being expressed immediately. The weakness is revealed inspite of making effort not to and there is unpleasantness created.

Solution:

To have the ability to mould means to become real gold. I become as flexible and beautiful as pure gold, which is ready to take beautiful shapes when it comes under the influence of the heat of the situation. So I have no hard feelings for having to adjust, but I am able to enjoy the beauty I create and the joy I spread.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Accessing Spiritual Power

At the core of the soul there is pure, spiritual power of peace, love, truth and non-dependent happiness. This power provides us with the inner strength needed to change. But how do we access this power? Meditation is the method – it allows this power to come to the surface of our consciousness and into our minds to color our thoughts, feelings and personality. In much the same way as hot, molten lava flows from the core of the Earth to the surface through a volcano, we can create volcanoes of spiritual power when we meditate. Note, though, that we want to use our power in a positive way: we are not seeking the kind of power that is physical in nature and may cause damage, we are seeking spiritual power.

When we get access to our own personal source of the power of peace, love and happiness, we essentially become free of any dependency on external sources for feelings of the same. When we generate our own feelings of love and self-respect, we stop being dependent on others and our addiction to their acceptance and approval reduces and finally disappears. When we generate our own feelings of contentment and joy within ourselves, we become free from the need for substances, places or physical experiences in order to be happy.

Using this inner power in the right way allows us to uproot or remove completely the old negative habits within our personality. Any unwanted habit can be changed and the scars of all the negative habits, which have developed within the soul over a long period of time, during the journey of birth and rebirth, can be healed in a short time span.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

If you can see and accept that you create your own stress according to how you are responding, you will then see that there is something you need to unlearn as well as learn. The old response needs to be unlearned, and a new response needs to be learned.

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Message for the day 08-03-2011

Feelings change intentions, thus changing actions too.

Projection:

Sometimes we are caught up with negative feelings like jealousy or hatred towards another person. These feelings naturally create misunderstanding and conflict. Even if the other person has a good feeling while doing something, a negative intention is attributed and this naturally changes one’s own behaviour or response making it negative too.

Solution:

Instead of being caught up with negative feelings, I need to wear the glasses of seeing specialties. Like the one who wears coloured glasses sees everything to be of that particular colour, I too will then see only the specialties in others. This will help me to free my mind of negativity and I will start behaving positively with others too.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Important Understandings On Reincarnation (cont.)

6. The world's population is increasing at such a rapid rate, indicating that the souls already here are taking rebirth and also that there are new ones coming down continuously from the soul world.

7. If one believed that one will receive the fruit of one's actions, if not in this birth, but in another one, a person would surely feel less inclined to perform negative actions.

8. Without reincarnation, it is impossible to explain how every soul has reached its present peaceless state. Thousands of sins have been performed by each soul in its past births under the influence of the five vices – lust, anger, greed, ego and attachment. Due to this, ‘sanskars’ of those vices have accumulated over the soul. The burden of these ‘sanskars’ weighs heavily on the soul and causes it unhappiness in the present. The present cycle of birth and rebirth is fast approaching its end. It is precisely at this time that the Supreme Soul can relieve us from this burden.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Meditation is the process in which a meditator emerges the consciousness of being an incorporeal (non-physical) soul, or a point of spiritual energy, located between the two eyebrows with an identity separate from the physical body and connects with the Supreme Soul, who is also incorporeal or a point of spiritual energy but an ocean of the seven qualities - peace, bliss, love, joy, purity, knowledge, and power. By performing this practice in the early morning hours, the time which is called "Brahmamurta" or "Amrit Vela" (Sweet Nectar Time), over a period the meditator absorbs these qualities in himself, which he uses to perform his daily actions successfully.

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Message for the day 07-03-2011

An elevated consciousness brings speciality to the task being done.

Projection:

Sometimes, while doing even a special task, our consciousness tends to become ordinary because of negative feelings for the self or others. Such thoughts make even a special task into an ordinary one. So what has to be done in a beautiful way is done in a very ordinary way. So there is a tendency to just perform action and finish the task at hand, which does not bring speciality and accuracy as much as it should.

Solution:

I need to understand that as is the consciousness, so is the feeling behind the task, and therefore its quality. When I am able to start each task with a special consciousness, like “I am victorious”, or “I am powerful” or “this task is for the benefit of all”, I am able to experience the speciality of doing the task. I am also able to increase my state of self-respect, whatever the task or however simple it maybe.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Important Understandings On Reincarnation (cont.)

5. Each time a soul leaves an old body and takes a new birth, it carries its ‘sanskars’ from the old birth into the new one. Other ‘sanskars’ that can be present in the new body (apart from the ones from the previous birth) are:
• ‘sanskars’ from parents
• ‘sanskars’ accumulated during the new birth e.g. from siblings (brothers or sisters) or from friends, also those picked up during education and more
• ‘sanskars’ of will power (the ability to bring about changes in the self using will power)
• original ‘sanskars’ of peace, love, purity, bliss, joy and power (the ones that were present in the soul when it first came down from the soul world into the physical world to play its part)

Out of these five types of ‘sanskars’, in each soul, the ‘sanskars’ that are visible at different stages of life are varied e.g. in some soul, ‘sanskars’ may be completely different from the ones the parents possess, because the ‘sanskars’ from the previous birth are more visible; in another soul, ‘sanskars’ of will power may be intense, the soul may have brought about a lot of transformation in its personality since the time it was born; in a third soul ‘sanskars’ from parents and friends may be most visible; in another soul, practicing meditation, original ‘sanskars’ may be more visible, etc.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Like a balloon, you can be light, joyful and buoyant. Your happiness has nothing to do with the world outside. If your happiness diminishes, it's because the air is leaking out of you. Attend to your weaknesses that act like leaks and repair any holes so that your happiness remains intact.

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Message for the day 06-03-2011

To be free from worry means to have the power to change negative into positive.

Projection:

It is easy to worry about something when it doesn’t work out according to our expectations. We are then not able to think properly. Our discrimination and decision making capability is also affected. Then it becomes impossible to think of the solution and the mind is only filled with worry.

Solution:

When I am free from worry, I constantly remain satisfied for having seen the positive and finding the solutions immediately instead of looking at the problem and worrying over it. This internal silence gives the feeling of power, which naturally enables transformation in a second and only the goodness is absorbed.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Important Understandings On Reincarnation

1. The soul has a separate identity from any of the bodies it adopts.

2. The human soul does not take a birth/body of any animal species, just as a lemon seed does not grow into a mango tree. The human soul always takes a human body e.g. if the soul of a cow was to take the birth of a human, wouldn’t it carry ‘sanskars’ of performing all actions like a cow into its human birth – how would it then function through the human body.

3. The various lives or births of a soul are like different episodes of a television serial, all different, yet connected with each other.

4. The cycle of action and reaction is never-ending. The soul must continue to play its entire role until all it has received the fruits for all its actions. This may require more than one body.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Like a dragon, be powerful and formidable. Be a watchful guardian of your inner treasures that contain your self-worth. Your wings carry you above any insults hurled your way. Any negativity is dispersed by the beating of your wings. And the fire you breathe burns any critical words before they emerge from your mouth.

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Message for the day 05-03-2011

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

Projection:

Unhappiness is experienced when there is no newness in dealing with the variety of life’s situations. We continue to think the same way and act in the same way, so we are caught up in the same viscious cycle. We are not able to see anything new in the new situations that come our way. These turn to burdensome thoughts that drain out positive energy.

Solution:

I experience a lot of happiness when there is newness brought in responding to situations. The potential and the energy of the mind is channelised 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, and life itself becomes more beautiful.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Detached Observation – A Spiritual Skill

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.

For the practice of meditation it is essential that you act as a witness of everything you think and feel, and, once some time has passed, you will find that the practice simultaneously frees you and offers power.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

The more positive the thoughts flowing through my mind, the more contented I will feel.
It is easy to feel contented when we are praised and appreciated but to remain contented when we are being critised and rejected is the mark of real spiritual strength. The way to develop this level of strength is to learn about God's way of loving. Only when I am in deep contemplation can I see God showing me the kind of love I need to express so that I myself never reject or critise and always generate good wishes for others. Then I will feel satisfied no matter what life throws at me.

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Message for the day 04-03-2011

To have the spirit of sharing is to be constantly happy.

Projection:

We normally expect from others, rather than to be givers. We are also not so aware of the resources that we have. Expectations from others make us dissatisfied and we tend to feel low or negative when they are not fulfilled.

Solution:

There is constant satisfaction in my life when there is the spirit of giving. There are no expectations from others, but only an awareness of what I have. Life becomes more and more satisfactory and I feel richer for having given unconditionally. When I give I also receive constant good wishes from others.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Stress Management (cont.)

There are some false beliefs about stress that we have acquired:
"You have to be overworking and constantly under pressure to experience stress"

Truth: If you believe that your happiness is based on what you do and that people get fired for missing a deadline, or that authority figures in your life have a right to punish you and cause you pain for non completion of assigned work, then stress will be your companion wherever you go, whatever you do, for the rest of your life. But if you believe in yourself, if you believe you can control your emotions, if you believe that no one can hurt you without your permission, if you believe that missing a deadline is not the end of the world or your job, if you believe that some deadlines will be missed in life and that does not reduce your value as a person, then you will always be able to relax, no matter where you are or how tight the deadline. In fact, then you will be much less likely to miss the deadline than the person who is a habitual worrier.

Are you ready to challenge your beliefs? It's not other people, the system or the hand life seems to deal you that keep you locked in stressful patterns of thought and behaviour. It's your beliefs. Change your beliefs and you change everything.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Power to Withdraw

The aim of Raja Yoga meditation is to strengthen ones nature so much so that situations, which previously might have defeated us, we now find easy to handle. So, the power to withdraw does not mean running away from life, but the ability to find a safe space inside oneself, even in the midst of life.

An image used to illustrate this power is that of the tortoise. When there is danger, the tortoise instantly goes inside its shell, which it carries with it everywhere. In the same way, when I am faced with negativity or active hostility from people and situations around me, there is great strength in become introverted, even for a moment, so as to touch base with the point of peace inside my own being. In doing so, I find not only shelter, but also stability, so that I protect myself from any hostile reactions on my part.

When I am too open to the world around me, it's as though the arrows of negativity that fly around can easily penetrate my being, so that I lose my power. What others say and do quickly affects me, and I become reactive. This causes a build-up of stress, and eventually burnout, which makes me feel my only option, is to retire from situations altogether, which is not always possible.

I don't want to react; I want to act with concern and reason and effectiveness. When I develop the habit of making a momentary withdrawal in situations of danger, I'm better able to achieve this. Turning within, I'm able to remember my link with the divine, the link of love, the link that fills me with peace and wisdom and good wishes. It's like an exercise: going inwards i.e. connecting with the self, then upwards towards the Supreme and then outwards (in the field of .karma.). Doing this repeatedly through the day as a discipline as well as at times of danger, I'll keep moving forward with stability and strength.

In order to maintain this power, I have to put a high value on introversion. If I'm too extrovert, I'll become caught up in external circumstances, and won't have power to withdraw available to me at the moment of need.

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Message for the day 03-03-2011

To bring equality in whatever I understand, desire and do is to be truly successful.

Projection:

Although our understanding of right and wrong is really good, we are not usually able to be or feel successful. This is because there is a mismatch between what we know and what we want. So there is an inability to bring that knowledge into action.

Solution:

A conscious effort needs to be put in from my side to compare and see which is better for me – what I know is right or what I feel I want. When I compare in this way, I will be able to change my desires in keeping with the right thing. When these two match, I will be able to bring it into action too. So I experience constant success.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Stress Management

There are some false beliefs about stress that we have acquired:
"You have to be overworking and constantly under pressure to experience stress"

Truth: Some people only work a few hours a day and are hardly ever confronted by deadlines or other pressures, but they are more stressed than those working long hours to tight deadlines. It's not what you do, or when you have to do it by, that causes your stress; it's how you perceive the 'whats' and 'whens' of daily life that generates your stress. It's your perception.

Have you ever watched two people doing the same or similar work, to the same deadlines? One tears their hair out with a lot of anxiety. The other is completely relaxed while doing it. Why the difference? Perception. It's how each one perceives what they do and the possible outcome. Your perception is based on your beliefs.

Beliefs don't come built into your genes. All beliefs are learned. We learn them, send them into our subconscious and they then pop up and out through our thoughts, emotions and words. The problem is we not only hold beliefs, we identify with them, and some of us will even kill and die for them. This is extremely silly when you realize that belief is not the truth, and nothing is worth dying for.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

Deep inside each of us is a memory of who we really are, but over time we forget and lose touch with our inner truth. When we consciously remember and bring that truth into our everyday experience, it creates great positive transformation. Our perception of everything regains harmony, and feelings of peace return. May be its time to remember…

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Message for the day 02-03-2011

To understand the importance of the treasure of thoughts is to make them powerful.

Projection:

We do pay special attention to keep our actions good and worthy. We also have a good amount of attention on our words. But we hardly ever think of our thoughts. When certain thoughts become repetitive they tend to have a hold over us.

Solution:

It is important for me to keep a practice of having positive thoughts. When I have this practice of positivity, there is power in my thoughts. Each and every thought becomes a treasure from which I can draw a lot. My words and actions, then automatically become powerful too.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Spirituality In Practice (Self Introspection)

On the screen of your mind, make an appraisal (note) of what has happened throughout the past week…

Think about the awareness that you have had of yourself… think about the actions you have taken…Have they been based on a positive consciousness of yourself? Can you see the intentions behind your actions? Are they pure and positive?

Now, slowly and gently, I focus on my inner self… I observe myself… Does my life carry meaning and a purpose… Is there learning and growth at each step?

Do I possess inner strength… Am I able to use powers like the power to tolerate, power to co-operate, power to face in my everyday actions and experience success at every step… If so, do I feel strong and secure…

Do I remain in self-respect and as a result respect others… Do I love myself and have good wishes for each one that I interact with…

Do I feel calm and at peace… free to experience my inner qualities… Are my qualities visible through my actions…

And now, for a few moments, I am going to create feelings of peace and serenity for others… I am going to share thoughts and feelings of peace with others… this is practical spirituality…

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today

The rebuilding of 'real' self-esteem is an inner process of self-realization, self-knowledge and self-awareness. We need to spend sometime seeing our own inner qualities and appreciating them, and most importantly expressing them for the benefit of others. In this way we slowly come to know our own true beauty. Are you ready to rediscover what is already there?

Imagine five people in your life were asked to identify a specific positive quality within you. List the five different qualities, which you think they would see in you. Now spend a few minutes with each of these qualities and visualize yourself expressing them in your life.

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Message for the day 01-03-2011

True love provides the right environment for people to grow.

Projection:

Usually in relationships we begin to expect from people whom we get close to. We feel that because we have love for them we have a right over them. Because of our expectations we are not able to give the other person freedom to move forward or progress.

Solution:

When I have true love I am able to provide the right environment for people so that they can bring about progress in their life. I will not hold on to them and expect them to do everything according to my needs, but give them real support.

Brahma Kumaris

Soul Sustenance

Forms Of Fear In Our Modern Lifestyle

Fear is a feeling that is generated by the lack of knowledge about a certain situation, place or person. In fear, one feels threatened by something real or imaginary.

Fear often shows itself in our lives in the form of stress, worries and anxiety. Stress is connected with feeling pressure, feeling pushed, forced, to meet deadlines, to do more. Having to produce more and more, and having to be better and better at it, generates tensions and worries that arise in the form of the fear of not being able to achieve those objectives or results on time. The materialistic values of achieving, obtaining, having, accumulating, and ambitions, competing and wanting to obtain a position, generate a lot of pressure and stress. When we are stressed, generally we are overcharged. We think, talk and react too much. All this affects the mind and body negatively. The worst thing is that it becomes a habit, often uncontrolled, so that the simple habit of stopping and relaxing is not considered a solution. Some even consider it to be a waste of time. You have to do more and more, without stopping.

We have taken on stressful attitudes as part of our daily life. When stress persists, corticoids appear, these are sometimes called the 'fear hormones'. When released continuously, they affect our immune system, increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular complications and the risk of cancer.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris