Thought of the day 31/3/2015

Breaking Down Patterns Of Negative Thoughts And Feelings 

Having understood that the source of our feelings are our thoughts, we realize that right through our journey in the physical world, in many births, we have repeatedly built up enormous webs of negative and harmful thoughts and feelings, creating many unnecessary difficulties for us, internally as well as externally. The habit continues in my present life too. Meditation helps me to untangle this mess, and break the habit. It helps me come to terms with what is going on in my own inner world and understand how I create thoughts and feelings, how to take responsibility for them, and how to tap into my original, positive inner resources, which helps me displace negative patterns of thoughts and feelings. So, meditation is not merely a relaxation technique but a powerful tool for a seemingly difficult task of self-transformation. 

To get the positive cycle of thoughts and feelings working in my life, the easiest place to start with is our thoughts. It's not very difficult to change our thoughts. It just requires attention. And by changing my thoughts, it becomes easy to change my feelings. In meditation, I decide that for a few minutes, each day (it could be as less as 1-2 minutes or as much as 25-30 minutes, depending on the external setting I am in) I am going to set aside negative thoughts which are weak or wasteful, and create pure, positive, powerful thoughts, based on the awareness of my spiritual identity. As I do this, I begin to experience the original resources or treasures of the self. As a result, positive and powerful feelings for the self and others emerge.

Soul Sustenance

The Law of Belief 

Beliefs are concepts that you consider real and true, and you do not question them, even though they have no logical explanation. If we believe in something strongly, if we think that we can achieve something, then we will. What we believe will come true. 

We can classify beliefs into five groups: 

Beliefs about defects and weaknesses: These beliefs produce thoughts in our consciousness like: I am no good, I cannot do this, I am useless, I won't manage to complete it. 

Beliefs of survival: These beliefs produce thoughts such as: Life is short. Get whatever you can at any cost whenever you can. Life’s decisions are taken based on these beliefs without taking into the account the repercussions (effects) they may have on our health, our relationships and our future. 

Beliefs that create blocks: When we label someone, we are no longer open to try and understand them. For example: My boss is really egoistic. This type of belief blocks the flow of our positive energy and stops us from connecting openly with these people. 

Beliefs that strengthen the self: For example: I am capable, I can do it, There is nothing I cannot be or do if I really want to, I will overcome the difficulties and meet the challenge. 

True beliefs about ourselves: They are connected to eternal certain truths, such as: I am a spiritual being, I am eternal. God is my spiritual father. 

To assure us that a belief is true, we must first believe in it. Then we check it in our consciousness and if a belief is true it will become an experience. If this does not happen, we are doing something wrong or this belief is not correct. 

Message for the day

To accept advice is to ensure self-progress. 

Expression: The natural state of the self is to ensure progress. Everything that is done by the self is for its progress. But the one who rejects advice rejects the progress of the self. To accept advice means to take the chance for whatever benefit that comes my way. 

Experience: When someone corrects me or gives me an advice or suggestion, if I accept it in the right spirit, I'll constantly learn from it. This will enable me to experience constant progress. I am also naturally able to give regard to everyone I come into contact with and remain in constant happiness. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 30/3/2015

Vision, Goals, Strategies And Action Plans 

A vision is what you can see but not yet reach. The most powerful dimension of vision is not the long term dimension but actually the way you choose to see yourself in your work, circumstances, relationships, etc. Important changes start occurring by simply choosing to see things and people differently. That will have a huge influence on the decisions you make and the results. This is the power of vision. 

Goals are aimed at achieving the vision. They should be achievable in a short span of time and represent what you can see and reach. Goals should be specific, measurable, actionable, relevant and time bound (SMART). 

Clarification of goals then sets the agenda for the strategies (how) that are necessary to achieve those goals, to drive those goals forward. The strategies then need to be broken down into very specific action plans.

Soul Sustenance

Meditation For Experiencing Soul Consciousness 

Read over the following words slowly and silently. Using the power of visualization, aim to experience them in your mind: 

I withdraw my attention away from the physical limbs and sense organs........ 
I focus on myself........ 
I am listening through these ears........ 
I am looking through these eyes........ 
This instrument of mine, the physical body, is a precious vehicle........ 
a valuable instrument, a medium........ 
But, that which is more valuable and more precious is the being (soul) making this instrument function........ 
Within this assembly of bones and muscles and amazing organs is a being of light........ 
In the centre of the forehead is a point of light …… 
I am this being of light........ 
I the being of light express myself through this body........ 
But the body is not I........ 
I am light........ 
I spread rays of peace in all directions........ 
I become aware of the power within this point of light........ 
Within I the being of light is everything that I am and everything that I have........ 
Within my own being are my qualities, my powers, my talents........ 
In the awareness of who I am I radiate this light within........ 
and in the awareness of this inner light........ 
I hold my head held high in self-respect........ 

Message for the day

Humility enables one to serve others. 

Expression: The one who is humble is the one who is complete and full. So just like a tree which is laden with fruit, bowing down and offering all it has humbly, the one who is full is ready for service. He is available for others to take benefit from whatever resources are there with him. This humility earns respect from others and gives happiness to all. 

Experience: When I am able to bow down with the awareness of what I have, I am fully in the stage of my self-respect. the more I am able to bow, the more others also bow down with regard to me and respect my fortune. This enables me to be a giver to those around me and experience contentment - constantly. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 29/3/2015

We have high hopes for others.  Sounds good, but high hopes usually mean high expectations.  

People rarely meet our high expectations, and when they don't, we're disappointed.

So if you want less disappointment, think about lowering your high expectations and making them more realistic.  

But do continue to have high hopes for others.

Soul Sustenance

Living A Life In Supra-Consciousness (Part 3) 

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

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

Message for the day

Love for positivity brings progress. 

Expression: When I have love for positivity, I will not be able to have negative thoughts for a long time. I will naturally put in effort, both internally and externally to come back to positivity. So this positivity spreads around to others too and serves in creating a positive environment. 

Experience: Because of my love for positivity, I begin to enjoy creating and maintaining positive thoughts. When there is experience of positivity within, there is the natural desire to sustain it. Then no negative thoughts or feelings are encouraged. Slowly I find myself being only positive. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 28/3/2015

From Knowledge To Experience - Part 2 

The same mechanism of the pole-vaulter which was explained yesterday is involved when a person wishes to attain realization of the self and an experience of a higher state of consciousness. To experience realization, we have to run some distance, collecting the necessary information. Then we use the pole of knowledge and wisdom to lift us off the ground of ordinary consciousness. But, we must then let go of the very pole of knowledge that we used to elevate our minds and take a jump of faith, flying over the barrier of 'ordinary consciousness' to experience a new and higher level of consciousness. If there is no faith, then there is not enough trust to let go of the pole and jump. 

Many people do not let go of the pole of knowledge and, as a result, fall (like the pole vaulter) into the spinning of speculation and the habit of analysis and discussion – they are unable to experience spiritual consciousness. The pull of the ego, which does not let them have faith, draws the consciousness back to the ground. The irony is that they think they have jumped over the barrier and regard themselves as being in the privileged position of knowing or being knowledgeful. Then they think that from this privileged position they are in the position of judging and being better than those who know in a different way or in other words better than those who do take the jump of faith and are truly spiritually enlightened. 

The truth is that the ones who let go of the pole and cross the barrier are the ones with the more wider, mature, creative and humble intellect and are filled with spiritual strength, because of reaching the stage of experience. 

Soul Sustenance

Living A Life In Supra-Consciousness (Part 2) 

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

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

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message for the day

Life's situations are a game for the one who is prepared to face challenges. 

Expression: For the one who is a skilled player, every situation, however challenging it may be, seems like a game. Even the most difficult situation is faced bravely, knowing that it has come to teach something and increase the skill within. So such a person becomes a source of support to those around during difficult times. 

Experience: When I am aware of my own skills and specialities, I am able to face all life's situations with lightness and confidence. I enjoy everything that comes my way. I also am able to experience progress as I use all situations as a means for further increasing my own potential. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 27/3/2015

From Knowledge To Experience - Part 1 

One aspect of practical spirituality is the practice of values such as tolerance, patience, flexibility, humility (egolessness) etc. Another is for the meditator to actually experience the highest level of consciousness. It is said that when this highest level of consciousness is experienced, there is the strength to practice those values that create well-being. How can we go beyond the stages of information, knowledge and even wisdom to experience the original state of the soul, that is, truth? 

One way to describe the above process is to compare it to the game of the pole-vaulter. The pole-vaulter has a long pole to help jump over the barrier. The athlete runs for a short distance, and then quickly fixes the pole into the ground, enabling the body to be lifted up. When the athlete reaches a certain point in the air, the very pole that was used to get to that point is discarded; if the athlete fails to let go of the pole, then the body will be propelled backwards and it will be impossible to accomplish the task of jumping over the barrier.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

Soul Sustenance

Living A Life In Supra-Consciousness (Part 1) 

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

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

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message for the day

Commitment for truth brings constant happiness. 

Expression: For the one who is constantly with the truth, there will be no fluctuations in the happiness - experienced by the self and expressed to the others. So there is benefit for both the self and others through this. Only when there is no truth, the support of falsehood is taken to prove and defend oneself. So the happiness is not retained constantly. 

Experience: When I am committed towards living by the truth, I will not be influenced by the different situations that I am faced with, but will be able to experience constant happiness. I will never be influenced negatively by negative situations and allow myself to lose my happiness. Also I naturally find my happiness rising constantly. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 26/3/2015

It is not necessary to search for peace. It is within. 

Your original state is one of peace. External situations will pull you away from your peace. If, that is, you let them. Internal feelings can also pull you away. 

Tiredness, for example, leads to irritability. Learn to be in charge of yourself and maintain your peace: centre your awareness on your spiritual form - a tiny star-like point of light, seated in the middle of your forehead. Really experience the difference between You the Sparkling Star, and your body, the physical vehicle. Learn to detach yourself from the vehicle. Even a few moments of this practice, if done regularly, will return you to your natural state of peace. Tiredness will vanish. Irritability too. And your actions will be filled with love - for the self and others.

Soul Sustenance

Fulfilling The Criteria Of Positivity (Part 2) 

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

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

Message for the day

The language of silence is more powerful than the sound of words.

Expression: When something is expressed in silence, it is with the power of thoughts. Such thoughts spread positive vibrations and reach out to the others, in such a way that even the words can't. Also when such kind of positive actions are added to the positive thoughts, the desired effect of that is seen. Then the words are not needed to express good intentions and good wishes.

Experience: When I am able to express myself through the language of silence, I am able to be free from expectations for others to listen to what I am saying. I will only be silently communicating whatever I have to through my good wishes and inspiring others through my positive actions. So I am able to remain content and light, even when I have not yet seen the result of my communication.


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 25/3/2015

Practice being mindful everyday.  Not for the whole day, just during ONE routine activity.  It can be when you're eating, brushing teeth, washing dishes, walking, cleaning, writing....

Simply be alert and pay attention to what you are doing.  Be fully focused in the present moment.  If your mind begins to drift, just bring it back to what you are doing.

Do a little bit of this everyday and not only will you get things done faster and better, but you'll also improve your concentration and your ability to relax.

Soul Sustenance

Fulfilling The Criteria Of Positivity (Part 1) 

What is the best way to define positivity? What, for you, is a positive thought, word or action? We could define positivity as something which leads me as well as others towards to a state of truth. A state of truth for me as well as any and every soul is a state in which it is an embodiment of the virtues of peace, love, joy, purity and power i.e. a state in which these virtues exist inside the soul to the fullest extent. As a result, in this state of truth everything that flows out of the soul or everything that it radiates or every thought, feeling, word or action that it creates, speaks or performs, is filled with these qualities. This state of truth is the original state of every soul. 

All these qualities are connected with each other. One quality attracts the remaining qualities towards itself automatically. So, when I, through any medium, bring myself and others, whom I interact with, close to this state, to whatever extent, then that is positivity. If my thought, word or action takes me and others away from this state of truth, then that is the opposite i.e. negativity. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message for the day

To be strong is to be free from the influence of the body. 

Expression: To allow the body to influence the mind is to be doubly ill. The one who allows himself to be doubly ill is not able to deal with the illness of the body. On the other hand, the one who is powerful in the mind is able to maintain the inner strength in spite of the disease and so has the power to put in effort to finish it.

Experience: Instead of being conscious of the disease of the body, all I need to do is to maintain the consciousness of being powerful internally. Then I would not be afraid of the disease of the body but will have the courage to deal with it. I am able to see the disease as something temporary and will soon find myself rid of the illness, as I am powerful within.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 24/3/2015

Changing Your Belief System To Overcome Feelings Of Revenge - Part 2

The urge for revenge and the false taste of victory or happiness related to it can only end when the belief, that others are responsible for what you feel, is seen as a false one. Only when you take full responsibility for whatever thoughts and feelings you create will it be possible to end the anger and the hatred that seeks revenge. When someone hurts me, I create a negative image of myself and the other person in my mind’s eye, in different ways. I see myself and the other in a negative light, myself as a victim and the other person as a victimizer. I need to stop doing that and see myself and the other in a positive light, in the same light as before, irrespective of the negativity that the other has radiated to me. When we do that, we will stop pointing the finger at others for whatever hurt we may feel. Only when it is fully seen and accepted that someone can hurt or harm my vehicle, the physical body, but not me, the controller or driver of the vehicle, will rage and the desire for revenge stop existing inside my consciousness. 

When I start seeing the person who has committed some negative action which is projected towards me, with an innocent, unbiased, untarnished vision, hatred will be transformed into love and compassion for both, me and the other person. Then it will be possible to be totally free of all judgment, criticism and any desire to seek justice and take pleasure and experience victory when justice is delivered. Only then will it be possible to rediscover true happiness in life, because as long as there is even the slightest trace of an urge to seek revenge for what someone has done to me, and the desire to experience the false happiness which is experienced when such revenge is delivered; both of which, the happiness and the revenge, are forms of subtle violence; true everlasting and deep peace, contentment and happiness can never be experienced. 

Soul Sustenance

Understanding And Overcoming Ego (Part 2) 

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, specialties, 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.

Message for the day

Mercy means to give courage. 

Expression: The one who is merciful is able to give courage to the ones who are weak, because of the ability to look at the positive qualities in them. The weak ones are never made weaker with negative and discouraging talk, but are encouraged to discover and use the strengths that are hidden within. So real mercy will give the courage to the other person to change too. 

Experience: When I have mercy on others, I will never lose hope on anyone, but will continue to have good wishes for everyone. Whatever the kind of person, even with the most negative situation, I will find my stock of good wishes to always be full. So I am able to be free from the expectation from the others to bring about a change immediately. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumarisx 

Thought of the day 23/3/2015

Changing Your Belief System To Overcome Feelings Of Revenge - Part 1 

It’s worth wondering, what I need to change inside my belief system so that no feelings of revenge exist inside me for anyone irrespective of what someone has done to me. When someone harms me or insults me in any way, what is the belief that exists inside my inherent belief system that causes feelings of revenge to emerge inside me in the first place? It is the belief that ‘whenever someone does something negative to me, he hurts me, he is the victimizer and I am a victim’. I need to change that to – ‘no one can never hurt me, but it’s what I do with someone’s negative actions, what shape I give the negative actions inside my mind, that causes me hurt, the choice lies with me’. 

Two people will do two different things inside their minds with the offensive or negative actions of a particular person – one will create feelings of anger, hatred, sorrow, etc which will give rise to the desire for revenge; the other will create feelings of peace, love and good wishes which will give rise to only forgiveness, with no room for revenge. In other words, two different people will respond in two different ways to the negativity of the so called victimizer, depending on their belief system, their inherent personality or nature, their experience of similar negative actions in the past, either committed by the same person or by other people. All these factors will shape their perception of the other’s actions and the self. One will see the other or perceive the other as the victimizer and himself as a victim and another will not identify the other person with his negative actions, but will instead focus on his inherent positive nature or positive aspects of his current personality and will also remain unaffected himself. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Soul Sustenance

Understanding And Overcoming Ego (Part 1) 

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. 

(To be continued tomorrow…) 

Message for the day

The one with humility is the one who can be creative. 

Expression: Creativity comes to the extent that the intellect is humble. Such an intellect is able to create something new. Because humility is a form of love, it brings the enthusiasm for creativity and the ability to bring newness in everything that is done. 

Experience: Humility gives me an experience of being a master, of being powerful. This power comes from the experience of being a constant learner, because I have no ego of what I already have. This mastery makes me creative, making me bring newness in every thing I do. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 22/3/2015

Whether you have to decline a request or give critical feedback, it's important to be honest, assertive and direct.  But you don't want to hurt someone's feelings, especially in front of others.

Instead try a tactful approach.  Be appropriately honest, assertive and direct.  Say the right thing, at the right time, in the right place, and you're more likely to get a positive outcome.

Soul Sustenance

Cooking A Meal – Subtle Energies At Work (Part 3)! 

The low subtle energy of certain foods like meat, fish, chicken, eggs, onions, garlic, etc. and also alcohol is a deterrent in the purification of the soul, which is carried out by any wise person as a life objective and they also affect the body negatively on an energy level although you might vouch for their physical benefits, which may even be correct. So excessive consumption of such foods should be avoided, in fact completely avoided. This is a spiritual principle and given significance by the spiritual minded, based on their experiences, because these foods cause the minds to become agitated and lustful, even subservient (under the influence of) to other negative emotions like greed, attachment, ego and jealousy. On a lighter note, you might say, then why not purify these foods by meditation and then consume them but these are foods that come in the tamsic category and giving them pure emotional energies in the form of subtle vibrations does not transform their inherent tamsic or impure nature so much so as to not have a negative effect on the mind and the body. 

Also, along with being selective about your meal menu ingredients, taking into consideration their different natures, it’s important to maintain a higher spiritual consciousness while cooking and having meals.This can be done by mothers by creating positive and peaceful thoughts or by playing a few songs of the spiritual type or even playing soothing meditation tunes which performing the cooking karma. Also, before consuming any food item or even water, spend a few seconds in creating a powerful thought of spiritual self-respect and focus your vision or drishti on the item. In this way, the food or liquid item will be charged with positive vibrations through your eyes and its negative nature, both on a physical as well as spiritual level, will be healed. This is in short a spiritual perspective of cooking and consumption of meals and the intention of the message is not to prevent you from having tasty meals and delicious dishes which you are addicted to. 

Message for the day

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

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

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


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 21/3/2015

Restoring The Mind-Body Balance 

Many people are under the impression that the focus of spirituality is only on the mind and the soul, and the physical body is neglected. But that’s not true. Our physical body is essential to our life and the art of living. It is our vehicle and our home. An appropriate balance of diet, sleep, relaxation and exercise is important for the body. However, when we enter the world of spirituality, the main emphasis is on the mind and the soul. This does not mean that we do not value or take care of our body. Without a healthy body, we would not be able to express ourselves mentally or spiritually. Spiritual progress, which includes the listening/studying and imbibing of spiritual knowledge, the practice of meditation, the inculcation of divine virtues and the spiritual service of others through different means is much easier and better with a healthy body. 

Unfortunately, though, we have lost the art or wisdom of balance and for very long we have placed too much emphasis on our physical form, the body; and less emphasis on our spiritual form, the soul, as a result, reducing our spiritual awareness. One of the aims of spirituality is to restore this balance between mind and body so that we can experience well-being and happiness at every level. So while our body and our physical energy are essential, the focus of spirituality is on the mind and the soul, to help regain the balance.

Soul Sustenance

Cooking A Meal – Subtle Energies At Work (Part 2)! 

When cooking a meal, switch on the role of a beautiful creator of the divine sustenance for the mind and body, a loving God Mother and switch off the role of a hard-working homemaker, say to yourself - I love making a meal using the creations of nature, the ingredients that are given to me by the wonders of nature, the elements of nature, so pure in their original state, that they are also given the status of different Gods or deities actually (although being non-living), like Vayu Devta (the god of wind), Surya Devta (the sun god), Indra Devta (the rain god), Agni Devta (the god of fire), Prithvi Devta (the earth god) etc. Nature is also commonly called Mother Nature or Dharti Mata, which reflects its purity, gentleness and softness. These elements reflect all that nature has to offer us through different sources. 

So making a meal is respecting and loving these elements to the fullest. Also, although nature’s elements are eternal, it is important to know that when nature loses its sanctity (purity), it’s the Supreme Power of the Universe, incorporeal (non-physical) God who purifies them and returns them to their original state. That is why God is mistakenly called the creator of nature, which he is not per se (exactly), although he is a transformer of nature. So the nature’s elements also, when in their pure state, giving pure energy to the soul and its temple, the physical body. But, today as we all know, these elements have lost their purity on a physical level i.e. because of causes like pollution, emission of poisonous gases from manufacturing units, deforestation, depletion of the ozone layer, global warming and other man created issues like the use of improper materials to grow vegetables and fruits that are harmful to the physical body; and they have also deteriorated on a subtle energy level, the spiritual energy level. So it’s important to purify your meal ingredients through meditation before their consumption. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message for the day

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

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

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


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 20/3/2015

Experiencing God’s Presence 

I need to understand that God is a person (although the Supreme Person), like us, and not some formal or non-personal energy, with whom we cannot communicate and have a relationship. If I know God's form, location and sanskars, I can direct my thoughts towards that One and immediately start experiencing the connection. The sentiment expressed in the phrase, ‘O God, wherever I am, you are with me', indicates the closeness of the soul and God. It expresses the experience of the presence of God, in a similar way to two lovers who carry each other in their hearts. In this way God's presence is a spiritual experience that I can have wherever I am. It doesn't mean literally that the Supreme Being is present in everything. It's a feeling and not a fact. The sun is the source of our physical necessities. It purifies the water, makes the plants grow to produce food and oxygen and provides a suitable range of temperatures for our life here. To give life it doesn't need to be present in every particle. Its effect in the form of light and heat is felt throughout the solar system. In the same manner, for the effective practice of Raja Yoga meditation (as taught by the Brahma Kumaris) God is seen as a sun of perfect sanskars, the source of spiritual qualities and powers and, as such, doesn't need to be present in everything. Even though His residence is the soul world, God can be with me since the sense of closeness is beyond physical dimensions. One thought and I can experience Him in the soul world and be in His presence!

Soul Sustenance

Cooking A Meal – Subtle Energies At Work (Part 1)! 

Mother, what are you making for dinner tonight? Do make something delicious! The ordering children often dictate the menu for a meal to their mothers, hoping for a mouthful. Mothers are often in a hurry to finish their cooking tasks for the day and also eager to fulfill the tastes of their children and other family associates. Often mothers relax at the end of the day after having spent their energies on the minutest details of their meals – the vegetables, the salt, the turmeric, the spices, the oil, the pulses, the wheat flour and the water – taking care that food is prepared precisely, leaving no room for error. The objective – satisfying the palate of everyone and also earning the blessings from the family expressed in the form of many - yummies, wows, lovelies and thank yous. How come, inspite of this warm exterior feel to this family setting, there lie underneath not so warm subtle energies, which prevent the food from being not only pleasing to the tongue and stomach, but also spiritually fulfilling. This is the message of the Supreme’s children, the mothers, wives and even the young sisters and brothers, who cook food at the Brahma Kumaris in different settings - at their homes or at the official spiritual service locations. 

Love filled food, pure vibrational energy filled food is not only healthy, curing ailments but also spiritually, emotionally and mentally soothing, because of the subtle bridges that exist between the body and the non-physical mind causing both of them to influence each other. You have heard of how food cooked by a mother tastes better than the food cooked by a maid. Why? Because of the purity of purpose. The mother is absorbed in the love of her children while working on the meals and the maid cooks because she earns from the task, which she experiences as tedious many times. The mother will cook with a higher purpose which reflects in the food quality and the energy it’s every morsel (bite) carries invisibly. So food should be cooked in love, but let’s change this to a higher love, say a higher love for God and not the worldly love which carries with it dependencies, attachments, possessiveness and fear. 

(To be continued tomorrow …)