Higher Than the Sky
Keep wearing virtues as your ornaments. Keep loving others. Keep giving regard. You have to go beyond the stars. Keep thoughts higher than the sky, and abundance of patience like the earth. Keep spiritual love in your eyes.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Soul Sustenance
Yoga - A Lifestyle (Part 2)
All of us are living beings with a mind and an intellect, which we use to connect to various objects, people and events throughout the day. This is called our mental energy. This mental energy travels extremely fast and can reach another person in much less than a second. Very often we focus our mental energy on the physical body for mental peace and physical fitness through the medium of yog asanas or yogic postures to attain the desired purpose. That for us is a way of letting go of our stresses and negative energies stored in the body. It makes our mind and body healthy. We also focus our mental energies on our breath through the medium of pranayama whereby flawless and smooth breathing is experienced. This benefits our physical body immensely and also gives us mental energy.
If you are new at the Brahma Kumaris, and if you are practicing yog asanas and pranayama for their physical and emotional health benefits, from before, you don’t need to stop them. This is because both these are extremely important mediums for this purpose and widely acclaimed and proven successful techniques which have saved many people from the most serious of illnesses. They have also reduced the intensity of many illnesses. There are lakhs of people all over the world who share their experiences confirming this. But the Brahma Kumaris add another dimension to this physical side of yoga – a spiritual yoga i.e. connecting the mind and intellect to the supreme source of spiritual energy or God. This is also called yoga or connection with a non-physical pure entity - God. So those who have been practicing yog asanas and pranayama, if they desire, can continue to do the same but add the spiritual yoga in their lifestyles. Those who have not been practicing yog asanas and pranayama concentrate only on the spiritual yoga. Spiritual yoga not only purifies the soul but also has immense benefits for the physical systems of the body and helps in purifying them. This is because a pure mind means a mind full of the seven qualities of peace, joy, love, bliss, purity, power and knowledge. That in turn influences the main systems of the body and makes them free of illnesses. The mechanism of how the mind affects the different body systems will be explained in tomorrow’s message, in further detail.
Message of the day
To remain in peace is to give support to those around.
Expression:If there is inner peace even when there is negativity all around, there is the ability to give support to those around. The biggest service that one can do is to give this support to those in need during challenging times. The one who remains in peace even in chaotic conditions becomes an example also.
Experience: When I am able to maintain my own inner state of calm under all circumstances, I am able to learn from everything that happens. I am able to bring benefit for those around me because of the vibrations of positivity that I am able to spread. I become a source of inspiration and support for all those in need.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:If there is inner peace even when there is negativity all around, there is the ability to give support to those around. The biggest service that one can do is to give this support to those in need during challenging times. The one who remains in peace even in chaotic conditions becomes an example also.
Experience: When I am able to maintain my own inner state of calm under all circumstances, I am able to learn from everything that happens. I am able to bring benefit for those around me because of the vibrations of positivity that I am able to spread. I become a source of inspiration and support for all those in need.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, December 30, 2016
Thought of the day 30.12.2016
Success
Success means to reach such a constant level of positive thoughts that pure actions happen naturally. Pure actions are like good seeds which, when planted, produce healthy, sweet fruit
Become very, very sweet. Remove even the slightest trace of anger. Whatever you think, whatever you say, consider carefully all the consequences beforehand. By performing actions knowing their consequences, success is definitely experienced.
Soul Sustenance
Yoga - A Lifestyle (Part 1)
All of us are constantly living a life of yoga, which in spiritual terms is called a link or connection between two entities i.e. the one which remembers and the other one which is remembered. Examples of what we have yoga with could be a person or God (called rajyoga) or your actions (called karma yoga) or spiritual knowledge (called gyan yoga) or bhakti (called bhakti yoga). Other examples of yoga are with your breath (called pranayama) or your physical body (called hath yoga) or even a physical object like a candle flame. So, yoga is life and should not be limited to sitting in a particular posture for a few minutes at a particular time of the day. Basically, remembering anything or anyone is yoga. The word yoga should not be limited to exercise which is a narrow definition of yoga. Focusing on one’s own body is extremely important, but only one aspect of a yogi lifestyle. A complete or comprehensive yogi lifestyle is focusing on pure and constructive sources right through the day including God. This is because yoga means union or link, a union which will benefit the soul and body positively.
We all live our lives in search of peace, love and happiness and also inner powers which we as spiritual beings are lacking in. So yoga i.e. our mental energy correctly channeled and connected with something positive provides us with that. People also call performing actions as yoga which is called karma yoga. But only performing selfless actions with complete dedication nowadays with the stresses and strains of everyday living can be depleting on a mental energy level. This will happen unless the karma yoga as it is called is accompanied by a mental union or link with the Supreme while performing the actions. This helps us in remaining unaffected by the stress caused due to being over-busy in those actions. That in the true sense is karma yoga i.e. selfless karmas performed in the remembrance of God. This link between me, the spiritual child and God, the spiritual parent, nourishes me continuously. It gives me the strength to perform actions with complete accuracy and get the desired success filled result.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
All of us are constantly living a life of yoga, which in spiritual terms is called a link or connection between two entities i.e. the one which remembers and the other one which is remembered. Examples of what we have yoga with could be a person or God (called rajyoga) or your actions (called karma yoga) or spiritual knowledge (called gyan yoga) or bhakti (called bhakti yoga). Other examples of yoga are with your breath (called pranayama) or your physical body (called hath yoga) or even a physical object like a candle flame. So, yoga is life and should not be limited to sitting in a particular posture for a few minutes at a particular time of the day. Basically, remembering anything or anyone is yoga. The word yoga should not be limited to exercise which is a narrow definition of yoga. Focusing on one’s own body is extremely important, but only one aspect of a yogi lifestyle. A complete or comprehensive yogi lifestyle is focusing on pure and constructive sources right through the day including God. This is because yoga means union or link, a union which will benefit the soul and body positively.
We all live our lives in search of peace, love and happiness and also inner powers which we as spiritual beings are lacking in. So yoga i.e. our mental energy correctly channeled and connected with something positive provides us with that. People also call performing actions as yoga which is called karma yoga. But only performing selfless actions with complete dedication nowadays with the stresses and strains of everyday living can be depleting on a mental energy level. This will happen unless the karma yoga as it is called is accompanied by a mental union or link with the Supreme while performing the actions. This helps us in remaining unaffected by the stress caused due to being over-busy in those actions. That in the true sense is karma yoga i.e. selfless karmas performed in the remembrance of God. This link between me, the spiritual child and God, the spiritual parent, nourishes me continuously. It gives me the strength to perform actions with complete accuracy and get the desired success filled result.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
To finish excuses is to take up full responsibility.
Expression:To take up responsibility means to be ready to bear the consequences of the action done. The one who is responsible will never give excuses, but will be able to take the responsibility of correcting the situation. Under all circumstances, such a person will be able to give his best without situations hindering his output.
Experience: When I am responsible, it is not important for me why a mistake happened, but it is more important for me to find a method so that I am able to rectify what has gone wrong. So when I am responsible I am neither worried nor concerned too much for whatever has happened. On the other hand I am able work with lightness to improve the situation.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:To take up responsibility means to be ready to bear the consequences of the action done. The one who is responsible will never give excuses, but will be able to take the responsibility of correcting the situation. Under all circumstances, such a person will be able to give his best without situations hindering his output.
Experience: When I am responsible, it is not important for me why a mistake happened, but it is more important for me to find a method so that I am able to rectify what has gone wrong. So when I am responsible I am neither worried nor concerned too much for whatever has happened. On the other hand I am able work with lightness to improve the situation.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Thought of the day 29.12.2016
Contentment
First of all, understand discontentment. Discontent is caused by a constant multiplication of desires. One desire leads to another until there's never a moment when you feel fulfilled.
Desires are like traps. Because of endless desires relationships have become very fragile. There is a lot of irritability and anger due to:
• Selfish attachments (to possessions and people)
• Pride (attachment to a particular image of the self)
When there is discontentment, the heart can never be still because wasteful, negative thoughts destroy peace.
Contentment is the result of spiritual awareness which allows you to recognize negativity. It changes your pattern of thinking. As you tap your huge inner potential, all desires are fulfilled and you regain your peace.
Soul Sustenance
Taking Charge Of Your Responses In Close Relationships
In relationships with your loved ones, when looking at the other, sometimes positive emotions are generated and sometimes negative. On the one hand, joy, love and happiness is generated on being with them; but then attachment, dependency and expectations are generated. In such situations, you are more focused on others and are always looking at the other person's behavior, you stop seeing yourself and being aware of your reactions and taking the responsibility for the responses that you create. You get frustrated when the other person does not meet your expectations. As you depend on them, if they don't act as you would like, if they don't reach home or call you at the time you would like; all this frustrates you. You radiate this energy to the other: they are not doing what they should be doing and so you feel frustrated and discontented.
All the while that you hold the other one responsible for your frustration, you are not in charge of your own reactions, because you have given power to the other to dominate your emotional world. It is there that you lose your freedom. You lose your freedom because you give to the other, in the name of love, power over your own moods. You allow the other's energy to enter your inner world and cause inside you frustration, bad moods, irritation, sorrow and a mental and emotional dependence where you are constantly thinking about where they are, what they have to do, what they have to say, where they have to go, and all this consumes a lot of your mental energy. Wanting to control the other and the frustration that it brings with it uses up a lot of emotional energy.
In relationships with your loved ones, when looking at the other, sometimes positive emotions are generated and sometimes negative. On the one hand, joy, love and happiness is generated on being with them; but then attachment, dependency and expectations are generated. In such situations, you are more focused on others and are always looking at the other person's behavior, you stop seeing yourself and being aware of your reactions and taking the responsibility for the responses that you create. You get frustrated when the other person does not meet your expectations. As you depend on them, if they don't act as you would like, if they don't reach home or call you at the time you would like; all this frustrates you. You radiate this energy to the other: they are not doing what they should be doing and so you feel frustrated and discontented.
All the while that you hold the other one responsible for your frustration, you are not in charge of your own reactions, because you have given power to the other to dominate your emotional world. It is there that you lose your freedom. You lose your freedom because you give to the other, in the name of love, power over your own moods. You allow the other's energy to enter your inner world and cause inside you frustration, bad moods, irritation, sorrow and a mental and emotional dependence where you are constantly thinking about where they are, what they have to do, what they have to say, where they have to go, and all this consumes a lot of your mental energy. Wanting to control the other and the frustration that it brings with it uses up a lot of emotional energy.
Message of the day
To tighten the loose screw of carelessness is to be powerful.
Expression:The one who is careless is not able to use the powers and the skills that he has. All the positive qualities within are wasted, because the one who is careless is not able to use them in the best possible way. But the one who is able to tighten the loose screw of carelessness is able to recognize and use the potentials that are within. So there is power visible in such a person.
Experience: When I am able to be free from carelessness, I am able to move forward with lightness and happiness. There is no difficulty of any situations experienced and I do everything to the best of my ability without giving any excuses. I am able to experience being powerful under all circumstances, as I am the master of the situation.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:The one who is careless is not able to use the powers and the skills that he has. All the positive qualities within are wasted, because the one who is careless is not able to use them in the best possible way. But the one who is able to tighten the loose screw of carelessness is able to recognize and use the potentials that are within. So there is power visible in such a person.
Experience: When I am able to be free from carelessness, I am able to move forward with lightness and happiness. There is no difficulty of any situations experienced and I do everything to the best of my ability without giving any excuses. I am able to experience being powerful under all circumstances, as I am the master of the situation.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 28.12.2016
Harmony
I need to recognize that like musical notes we are all different. Only when I am able to harmonize with others can i create a beautiful tune. When I work with other people, I learn to understand them. In the process, I will also learn more about myself and how to use my strengths to support others.
Soul Sustenance
A Perfect Personality For Success (Part 3)
A very important and other aspect of our daily lives is erasing or removing the negative personality characteristics that exist inside us. We also need to ensure that they do not come to the surface and do not cause a hindrance or obstacle in our everyday dealings. In this particular sphere of self change, there are some people who are more sensitive to their weaknesses. They are always keen to transform or remove them completely while some are less sensitive and are unable to realize or check their weaknesses and change them. Spiritual power is a later step in self transformation, but the first and foremost power is the power to realize that a particular weakness exists inside me. If I don’t realize I will not work to bring that power inside me. Also, once the realization is there, we need to think about possible thought patterns and efforts at the level of words and actions, which will take us to a perfect personality. We need to remove the flaws or weaknesses that give us unhappiness and make others also discontent.
Lastly, the most important tool to be used in self-transformation is taking power from a higher spiritual source and then using that power to change our thoughts. Also the power helps in changing the seed of the thoughts – our personality. Once the personality is changed, our thoughts start taking shape accordingly. Once the thoughts change, our feelings, attitudes, vision, words and actions move towards a positive direction. Self-effort is not so difficult but it can seem difficult if spiritual power is lacking. So, meditation is the foundation of all self change, whether it involves imbibing new qualities and powers or whether it is becoming a better person, by removing weaknesses. Meditation is a connection at the level of the mind and thoughts with the Supreme Soul or God, who is an ocean of spiritual power or strength.
A very important and other aspect of our daily lives is erasing or removing the negative personality characteristics that exist inside us. We also need to ensure that they do not come to the surface and do not cause a hindrance or obstacle in our everyday dealings. In this particular sphere of self change, there are some people who are more sensitive to their weaknesses. They are always keen to transform or remove them completely while some are less sensitive and are unable to realize or check their weaknesses and change them. Spiritual power is a later step in self transformation, but the first and foremost power is the power to realize that a particular weakness exists inside me. If I don’t realize I will not work to bring that power inside me. Also, once the realization is there, we need to think about possible thought patterns and efforts at the level of words and actions, which will take us to a perfect personality. We need to remove the flaws or weaknesses that give us unhappiness and make others also discontent.
Lastly, the most important tool to be used in self-transformation is taking power from a higher spiritual source and then using that power to change our thoughts. Also the power helps in changing the seed of the thoughts – our personality. Once the personality is changed, our thoughts start taking shape accordingly. Once the thoughts change, our feelings, attitudes, vision, words and actions move towards a positive direction. Self-effort is not so difficult but it can seem difficult if spiritual power is lacking. So, meditation is the foundation of all self change, whether it involves imbibing new qualities and powers or whether it is becoming a better person, by removing weaknesses. Meditation is a connection at the level of the mind and thoughts with the Supreme Soul or God, who is an ocean of spiritual power or strength.
Message of the day
Change comes with what is done than what is thought of.
Expression:Thinking about others' actions can give a headache. Instead it is good to think about what is to be done. If someone is doing something wrong, instead of risking one's peace by raising complaints in the mind, it is good to do something to change the situation. When this is done, it creates good feelings for others. These good feelings become like ointments that heal wounds and re-establish friendship and relationships.
Experience: When I am able to think about what is to be done in all circumstances, I can find myself progressing. There will naturally be the understanding that there can be nothing that can be done to change the other person, so I am able to be happy and content under all circumstances. Yet I am able to have the enthusiasm to make effort to change the situation.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:Thinking about others' actions can give a headache. Instead it is good to think about what is to be done. If someone is doing something wrong, instead of risking one's peace by raising complaints in the mind, it is good to do something to change the situation. When this is done, it creates good feelings for others. These good feelings become like ointments that heal wounds and re-establish friendship and relationships.
Experience: When I am able to think about what is to be done in all circumstances, I can find myself progressing. There will naturally be the understanding that there can be nothing that can be done to change the other person, so I am able to be happy and content under all circumstances. Yet I am able to have the enthusiasm to make effort to change the situation.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 27.12.2016
The way to get what we need is to give
If I am not getting what I want or need, I may need to adopt a different approach. Instead of focusing on my own desires, I need to understand that perhaps I'm not getting what I want for a reason - perhaps I'm not ready for it yet. If I concentrate instead on what I have to give to others, I will find that what I need comes to me naturally.
Soul Sustenance
A Perfect Personality For Success (Part 2)
A very important spiritual strength that sometimes we need and are lacking is the power to mould as per the other person’s personality and behavior. To mould yourself means adjusting your nature according to the need of the situation or as required in dealing with a particular type of person. Suppose someone is angry because of a certain behavior of mine. I may be right also in such a situation and may feel it is wrong for the other person to find fault in me. In such a case, to mould oneself means to argue less, to bow down, to be humble, to sacrifice the I am right consciousness. On the other hand, also give respect, to be positive, to keep the other person ahead are signs of an adjusting person. Also, a third strength or power is the power to discriminate between good and bad, right and wrong and to select the right in the form of thoughts, words and actions and bring them into practical. Suppose I know that in a certain situation, especially in dealing with people, I have two choices. In such a case, a good practice is to use the spiritual wisdom that I possess in my intellect and discriminate correctly and take a right decision.
Other powers include power to tolerate a situation or a person. Sometimes, in many cases we are not able to able to cope up with a person’s different attitude than us and we react or respond negatively. In such a case, it is the lack of this power. Also, the power to face is a significant power, a lack of which can cause us to become fearful of difficult situations. Sometimes, two people can experience and perceive the same situation differently because they are lacking in the same power to different extents. We all are lacking in some power or the other and it is only through practice and consistent self-effort that we can become very very strong and full of all important powers.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
A very important spiritual strength that sometimes we need and are lacking is the power to mould as per the other person’s personality and behavior. To mould yourself means adjusting your nature according to the need of the situation or as required in dealing with a particular type of person. Suppose someone is angry because of a certain behavior of mine. I may be right also in such a situation and may feel it is wrong for the other person to find fault in me. In such a case, to mould oneself means to argue less, to bow down, to be humble, to sacrifice the I am right consciousness. On the other hand, also give respect, to be positive, to keep the other person ahead are signs of an adjusting person. Also, a third strength or power is the power to discriminate between good and bad, right and wrong and to select the right in the form of thoughts, words and actions and bring them into practical. Suppose I know that in a certain situation, especially in dealing with people, I have two choices. In such a case, a good practice is to use the spiritual wisdom that I possess in my intellect and discriminate correctly and take a right decision.
Other powers include power to tolerate a situation or a person. Sometimes, in many cases we are not able to able to cope up with a person’s different attitude than us and we react or respond negatively. In such a case, it is the lack of this power. Also, the power to face is a significant power, a lack of which can cause us to become fearful of difficult situations. Sometimes, two people can experience and perceive the same situation differently because they are lacking in the same power to different extents. We all are lacking in some power or the other and it is only through practice and consistent self-effort that we can become very very strong and full of all important powers.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
God's love brings out the best from within.
Expression:God, who is an image of perfection, becomes a source of inspiration and power for the one who is connected to Him. with the connection with God, and with an experience of His love, it becomes easy to be in touch with the innate qualities of peace and purity. In all circumstances, the presence of God becomes a great motivator to express the inner beauty.
Experience: When I am deeply connected with God, I am able to be connected with the innate beauty. God's love becomes a source of energy to connect me back to my innate beauty. Thus I find that I am able to maintain this inner beauty under all circumstances. I am not negatively influenced by the situations or people.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:God, who is an image of perfection, becomes a source of inspiration and power for the one who is connected to Him. with the connection with God, and with an experience of His love, it becomes easy to be in touch with the innate qualities of peace and purity. In all circumstances, the presence of God becomes a great motivator to express the inner beauty.
Experience: When I am deeply connected with God, I am able to be connected with the innate beauty. God's love becomes a source of energy to connect me back to my innate beauty. Thus I find that I am able to maintain this inner beauty under all circumstances. I am not negatively influenced by the situations or people.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, December 26, 2016
Thought of the day 26.12.2016
Cheerfulness
Inner cheer is destroyed by a conscience which bites. Learn to do everything in a worthwhile way. It's an art which teaches you to appreciate your inner beauty (It makes you think twice about ruining it, too)
Don't be hard on yourself when making a mistake. It’s much more effective to be handled with love. Telling the self off is a terrible habit, it subtly shapes a nature of sorrow. Finish the business of thinking of rubbish and instead take delight in all that you've found.
Soul Sustenance
A Perfect Personality For Success (Part 1)
Living a life full of different types of situations and meeting different types of people can bring with it certain challenges and the need to change your personality. Also, we need to increase our strengths and skills at the level of the personality so that we can adapt ourselves. Apart from inculcating different types of new personality characteristics, which are not there with us, we need to work on certain negative personality features in us also and remove them completely. These negative aspects influence us negatively and cause instability in our relationships. So different missing powers and virtues, which we require at times but we are unable to emerge them in our thoughts, words and actions at the right times are required to be first realized. Then using techniques of mind empowerment like meditation and spiritual knowledge tools, those powers and virtues can be made a part of our nature.
The first and foremost power in any difficult situation is the power to change or transform one’s thinking as per the needs of the situation, into a positive one. Then, creating a positive thought or a series of positive thoughts and preventing the situation or negative scene seem difficult to overcome in the mind. This is spiritual power in action or bringing it into practice. Also, the power of good wishes should be used to bring peace and harmony with those people with whom our relationships are not positive. Good wishes are virtues in action and make us loveful and humble. So, the more qualities and powers we fill inside ourselves, the more complete and spiritually skilled we become and the more successful we are.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Living a life full of different types of situations and meeting different types of people can bring with it certain challenges and the need to change your personality. Also, we need to increase our strengths and skills at the level of the personality so that we can adapt ourselves. Apart from inculcating different types of new personality characteristics, which are not there with us, we need to work on certain negative personality features in us also and remove them completely. These negative aspects influence us negatively and cause instability in our relationships. So different missing powers and virtues, which we require at times but we are unable to emerge them in our thoughts, words and actions at the right times are required to be first realized. Then using techniques of mind empowerment like meditation and spiritual knowledge tools, those powers and virtues can be made a part of our nature.
The first and foremost power in any difficult situation is the power to change or transform one’s thinking as per the needs of the situation, into a positive one. Then, creating a positive thought or a series of positive thoughts and preventing the situation or negative scene seem difficult to overcome in the mind. This is spiritual power in action or bringing it into practice. Also, the power of good wishes should be used to bring peace and harmony with those people with whom our relationships are not positive. Good wishes are virtues in action and make us loveful and humble. So, the more qualities and powers we fill inside ourselves, the more complete and spiritually skilled we become and the more successful we are.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
Concentration on positive thoughts brings power and growth.
Expression:Whatever thoughts are concentrated upon, those thoughts become powerful. It is like the growth of a seed. When a thought, a positive thought, is planted in the mind and it is concentrated upon, it becomes like sunlight adding energy. The more the concentration on them these thoughts begin to grow.
Experience: When I am able to create a positive thought, each morning and water it with attention throughout the day, I am able to find myself becoming more and more powerful. Negative circumstances or people with negativity do not influence me but I become a powerful source for finishing that negativity. I am able to maintain this positive thought under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Thought of the day 25.12.2016
True winning is accepting not resisting
If you ever find yourself defending a position, explaining why, or justifying anything, it means you have been defeated. It means you have not been able to accept the others point of view, or the fact that you may be wrong.
Fear has conquered your mind and your heart. Your defenses are up and you are running scared. It’s not that the other person has conquered you, it’s the self-created fear that is in control.
Until you can accept the other (you don’t have to agree) and you are not threatened by the other, your victories will be delayed. It’s a funny old world when true winning is accepting not resisting, when victory is found in the wisdom to stop fighting and to begin engaging.
Soul Sustenance
The Role Of My Intentions In Shaping My Future
The word karma has been given many negative meanings. In common language, most people almost always relate it to suffering, but the simplest meaning of karma is action. Newton's Third Law of Physics (every action has an equal and opposite reaction) is a physical law of motion. The Law of Karma is the metaphysical (non-physical) equivalent of the Newton's Third Law - it refers to action and its result (fruit) or, simply, cause and effect. The quality of my actions, thoughts more specifically determines my personal level of happiness. Our natures today are the result of everything we have thought; they are formed by our thoughts. It's not so much the act that determines the return or fruit but the quality of the motive or intention behind it e.g. in the simple task of buying a new car, the intention can be different in the case of three different people:
• I need to buy a good car; it’s an urgent need of my family. (concern)
• What if I am not able to buy that car model which my wife so badly wants? (worry)
• With me at the wheel of the brand new car, which I will be buying soon, I will be the talk of the town, my office colleagues will really be jealous of me! (ego)
Although the action is the same in each case, each of these attitudes will lead to a different result. This role of intentions become clear when analyzing the difference in guilt between an army officer who kills another while protecting his country and another person who plans for months to commit a murder out of personal enmity and hatred. The karma of taking the life of someone is the same in both cases, but the return or fruit of the karma depends on the intention.
Message of the day
To be free from attachment of one's own qualities is to have the ability to work on the self.
Expression:The main form of attachment of the self is the attachment to both one's own specialities and weaknesses. When there is the ability to free oneself from this kind of attachment there is the ability to work on both. There is the awareness of them, but not bound by them. There is the ability to use specialities with love and according to the need. There is also special attention given to finish weaknesses.
Experience: When I am free from attachment, I am aware of them, but there is neither arrogance of the specialities nor any inferior feelings for the presence of the negativity within me. I am able to experience detachment from them and able to use my specialities with ease. I am not disturbed with the presence of the weaknesses but am able to win over them with ease.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:The main form of attachment of the self is the attachment to both one's own specialities and weaknesses. When there is the ability to free oneself from this kind of attachment there is the ability to work on both. There is the awareness of them, but not bound by them. There is the ability to use specialities with love and according to the need. There is also special attention given to finish weaknesses.
Experience: When I am free from attachment, I am aware of them, but there is neither arrogance of the specialities nor any inferior feelings for the presence of the negativity within me. I am able to experience detachment from them and able to use my specialities with ease. I am not disturbed with the presence of the weaknesses but am able to win over them with ease.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Thought of the day 24.12.2016
Life will bring obstacles and difficulties
They do not come to stop you. They come to strengthen you and help you progress with more experience.
Keep advancing.
One day is not the same as another.
Sometimes you do not have to find a solution, it is enough to keep moving forward, leaving the obstacle behind.
Soul Sustenance
Going Back To My Original Nature
Our present personalities are basically the combined habits of this lifetime (birth), built on the combined habits of previous lifetimes (births), all of which have left their mark (sometimes deep and sometimes not so deep) on our consciousness. It may well be that habits such as becoming angry, upset, anxious, stressed, sorrowful or scared, have been with us for so long that, they feel a natural part of our inner world, so natural that when someone says our true nature is not anger but peace, not fear but love, not aggression but acceptance, not anxiety but calm, it does not feel right. And even if it did feel right for a moment, we have become so attached to our old habitual moods, emotions and behaviors that we do not really want to change. It may even be the case that we have become so weak that we need help to change. It seems much easier to stay the way we are.
As we begin to meditate and develop our spiritual practice, our views on the above subject will fluctuate. When that does happen, imagine you are having a conversation with yourself and teaching yourself. Give yourself permission to be peaceful by nature, full of love and joy by nature, naturally content by nature, wherever you are and in whatever you do. After a while, you won't need to give yourself permission and you will find these states of being are there within you quite naturally at every moment. They are our original and eternal nature. Everything else is acquired or learned. In so many ways introduction to spirituality, like many other approaches to inner awakening, is as much about unlearning (the acquired beliefs) as it is about learning (new beliefs).
Our present personalities are basically the combined habits of this lifetime (birth), built on the combined habits of previous lifetimes (births), all of which have left their mark (sometimes deep and sometimes not so deep) on our consciousness. It may well be that habits such as becoming angry, upset, anxious, stressed, sorrowful or scared, have been with us for so long that, they feel a natural part of our inner world, so natural that when someone says our true nature is not anger but peace, not fear but love, not aggression but acceptance, not anxiety but calm, it does not feel right. And even if it did feel right for a moment, we have become so attached to our old habitual moods, emotions and behaviors that we do not really want to change. It may even be the case that we have become so weak that we need help to change. It seems much easier to stay the way we are.
As we begin to meditate and develop our spiritual practice, our views on the above subject will fluctuate. When that does happen, imagine you are having a conversation with yourself and teaching yourself. Give yourself permission to be peaceful by nature, full of love and joy by nature, naturally content by nature, wherever you are and in whatever you do. After a while, you won't need to give yourself permission and you will find these states of being are there within you quite naturally at every moment. They are our original and eternal nature. Everything else is acquired or learned. In so many ways introduction to spirituality, like many other approaches to inner awakening, is as much about unlearning (the acquired beliefs) as it is about learning (new beliefs).
Message of the day
True honesty brings clarity about the self.
Expression:Honesty doesn't mean just speaking the truth. Honesty means being clear with oneself. Then it naturally brings clarity about one's own capabilities. This clear understanding enables one to do the best according to the capacity. It gives the recognition of a higher step that can be climbed and brings the humility to learn from the different lessons of life.
Experience: When I am honest I am able to know my own limitations and accept them with love. This acceptance keeps me busy with what I can do and also silently makes me ready for the next step. When time comes, I am able to do it, because I have already prepared myself for it. I don't stop when situations demand more from me because there is total clarity within.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, December 23, 2016
Thought of the day 23.12.2016
Not to think of or speak of the mistakes in others
When I notice a weakness or mistake in someone, instead of drawing attention to it by speaking to others, I need to make a special effort to focus on something positive in that person.
When I think about this person's good qualities, my love for them will grow.
When I speak about the weaknesses of others, it spreads from one person to the next.
Instead of speaking, I have to merge it into love. This then sends blessings to others, which helps them to improve.
Soul Sustenance
Resolving Conflicts in Relationships (Part 2)
During a conflict, it is good to realize that the energy that you put into the conflict will possibly be the quality of energy that you will receive in return. This is the law of reciprocity (cause and effect). On a subtle level, we radiate according to our attitude, and on a physical level, we radiate according to our behavior. What we transmit on a subtle or/and physical level will return to us in a similar way; unless the other is wiser and decides not to give us back the same negative energy, but rather to treat us in exchange with a positive attitude and pro-active behavior. That way, that person won't bring about a dependence inside us, but rather they will help us to free ourselves of our own negativity.
Often, conflict between two people happens because we do not get the result in a relationship that we want; we are stuck to getting a specific result and we allow our happiness to depend on getting it. On not getting it, we use a wrong method; we generate a conflict, we feel ourselves to be victims, we blame the other, we project our pain onto them; all of this under the belief that others - the other - is who makes us happy or unhappy. This is a false belief. When your happiness depends on your expectations being fulfilled, it is difficult to be happy in a constant way. Often expectations are disguised desires, and where there are desires there is fear - the fear of not getting what you want. When you don't get it you get unhappy and, in so doing, you keep happiness away from you. It is good to set yourself goals of peaceful relationships, but if they are not fulfilled or if these goals take time to achieve, don't lose your sense of wellbeing. Your happiness is a much more valuable treasure than the external achievement of your expectations and of those that others have of you.
Message of the day
To use the gift that one has is to be powerful.
Expression:Each one has surely been bestowed with a special gift, a gift that is unique to each one. The one who recognizes this fact is able to use it for the purpose of bringing benefit to one and all. Under all circumstances there is the ability to bring out the best from within the self. So there is the influence of that on all around and everyone is benefitted.
Experience: When I recognize my own uniqueness, I am able to remain free from comparison and competition. I am able to be in the state of self-respect of knowing who I am. This then keeps me content and peaceful. Along with this, I have a lot of enthusiasm to use this special gift of mine. So there is a constant experience of contentment along with progress.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:Each one has surely been bestowed with a special gift, a gift that is unique to each one. The one who recognizes this fact is able to use it for the purpose of bringing benefit to one and all. Under all circumstances there is the ability to bring out the best from within the self. So there is the influence of that on all around and everyone is benefitted.
Experience: When I recognize my own uniqueness, I am able to remain free from comparison and competition. I am able to be in the state of self-respect of knowing who I am. This then keeps me content and peaceful. Along with this, I have a lot of enthusiasm to use this special gift of mine. So there is a constant experience of contentment along with progress.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the 22.12.2016
Chasing Limited Desires
If your mind has any limited desires, they will not allow you to become content. When you are walking in the sun, your shadow goes ahead of you and if you try to catch it, you won't be able to. When you turn around, your shadow will follow you. In the same way, desires attract you and make you cry. Let go of them and they will follow you. Those who ask for something can never become full and complete. To chase any limited desire is like trying to catch a mirage.
Soul Sustenance
Resolving Conflicts In Relationships (Part 1)
In relationships, sometimes we feel that the other person is not only a problem but also a source of conflicts. We have to be aware that there always have to be two people involved for there to be an unhappy or conflictive exchange. When we are in any conflict, it is difficult to see and understand the true causes and the real energy of the process of the conflict. The emotions that arise inside us during a conflict distract us and even blind us.
In the first place, it is important to recognize that your response in any situation of conflict is your contribution to the conflict. The process of responding to any person or situation is something that takes place in you. Nothing can make you feel anything without your permission. If you have been in conflict with someone for a time, for sure, you create fear or anger towards them, expressing thus behaviors of resistance when you communicate or relate to them. The other person is not responsible for your emotions or for your behavior.
Your experience of conflict and your contribution to the conflict begin in your consciousness and you keep them in your consciousness. It begins with your perception of the other (how you see others). If you perceive them negatively you will think negatively; you will feel negative and create a negative attitude; you will behave negatively, and so you will transmit a negative energy. You don't have to do it like that. Perception is a choice.
When there is conflict there is mental and emotional pain, even physical. Who creates that pain? You! Who creates at least half of the conflict? You! Where do you dissolve it? In your consciousness - in you. Freeing yourself of the conflict is a matter of a decision. At any moment you can decide not to be in conflict. One party has to dissolve their contribution to the conflict, even if it is temporarily, for the process of resolution to be able to begin.
(To be continued tomorrow…)
In relationships, sometimes we feel that the other person is not only a problem but also a source of conflicts. We have to be aware that there always have to be two people involved for there to be an unhappy or conflictive exchange. When we are in any conflict, it is difficult to see and understand the true causes and the real energy of the process of the conflict. The emotions that arise inside us during a conflict distract us and even blind us.
In the first place, it is important to recognize that your response in any situation of conflict is your contribution to the conflict. The process of responding to any person or situation is something that takes place in you. Nothing can make you feel anything without your permission. If you have been in conflict with someone for a time, for sure, you create fear or anger towards them, expressing thus behaviors of resistance when you communicate or relate to them. The other person is not responsible for your emotions or for your behavior.
Your experience of conflict and your contribution to the conflict begin in your consciousness and you keep them in your consciousness. It begins with your perception of the other (how you see others). If you perceive them negatively you will think negatively; you will feel negative and create a negative attitude; you will behave negatively, and so you will transmit a negative energy. You don't have to do it like that. Perception is a choice.
When there is conflict there is mental and emotional pain, even physical. Who creates that pain? You! Who creates at least half of the conflict? You! Where do you dissolve it? In your consciousness - in you. Freeing yourself of the conflict is a matter of a decision. At any moment you can decide not to be in conflict. One party has to dissolve their contribution to the conflict, even if it is temporarily, for the process of resolution to be able to begin.
(To be continued tomorrow…)
Message of the day
To understand the power of positivity is to finish negativity.
Expression:All it takes to finish darkness, is a little light. What is real is light and what needs to go away is darkness. In the same way, negativity is nothing but a lack of positivity. The one who is able to use positivity in situations, is able to finish negativity very naturally. There is a very powerful influence of this inner positivity, where no negativity of the self or the others remain.
Experience: When I am able to enable myself to use the power of positivity, I experience myself to be free from the influence of negativity. I am powerful in all situations, and deal with them with great ease. Others or situations don't have an influence on me. Instead I am able to influence others with my own commitment to positivity.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 21.12.2016
Good Feelings
Good feeling for others are like ointments that heal wounds and re-establish friendship and relationships.
Good feelings are generated in the mind, are transmitted through your attitude and are reflected in your eyes and smile.
Smiling opens the heart and a glance can make miracles happen.
Soul Sustenance
8 Keys To Success For Facing Exams (Part 3)
While facing exams, always keep a check on your concentration and ability to focus while studying. Check yourself – Am I taking too long to finish studying or revising a chapter in my course? If yes, check the number of thoughts in your mind. They are not only more in number but many of them are unnecessary and unrelated to my studies – may be of the past or the future or of other people. Reduce these unnecessary thoughts by stopping your studies and remaining silent for 1 minute every hour during the day and giving that short period of time to meditation. You can learn meditation at any Brahma Kumaris center for that. Also, remind yourself that you are not only studying for yourself but are also fulfilling the aspirations and hopes of your loved ones. These include your parents and other family members and friends. This will make you responsible and focused and you will look at the exam period and the time before that with seriousness.
The seventh key to success for facing exams is love for your studies. Do remember that everything I learn in my school or college or while studying for any exam even after that, is not only for achieving success at that time. It is also for becoming more and more wiser with knowledge and becoming a better person with good virtues. If you want to give happiness to a lot of people in your life, it will be through your nature full of good qualities and your knowledge. Both of these become better by studying with sincerity and doing well in exams. Lastly and the eighth key to success is reducing the exam pressure by reading atleast one page of spiritual wisdom or knowledge every morning. This could be done before you begin your studies. This will keep you calm, relaxed and positive throughout the day. Remember the mind is like a blotting paper early in the morning and whatever knowledge of positivity you give it, it will absorb very easily and fast. That will keep you full of positive information in the day and also keep your mind and attitude to your studies positive and full of sure success.
Message of the day
As is the seed so is the fruit.
Expression:Several times we find things happening unexpectedly. Yet, there should be the understanding that nothing is unexpected or a matter of chance but everything depends on the seeds previously planted. When there is this understanding there is no passiveness but there is an ability to take responsibility and better the situation.
Experience: Every thing I do has a deep significance and an importance for what I have to attain. When I understand this fact, I am able to make the most out of what I have. I am never discouraged by the negative results that I get today, nor do I take myself to a great height for the positive things that I get. I remain stable and make the best use of what I have.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:Several times we find things happening unexpectedly. Yet, there should be the understanding that nothing is unexpected or a matter of chance but everything depends on the seeds previously planted. When there is this understanding there is no passiveness but there is an ability to take responsibility and better the situation.
Experience: Every thing I do has a deep significance and an importance for what I have to attain. When I understand this fact, I am able to make the most out of what I have. I am never discouraged by the negative results that I get today, nor do I take myself to a great height for the positive things that I get. I remain stable and make the best use of what I have.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Thought of the day 20.12.2016
Patience
Patience teaches us to sow the seed in the form of right actions and to allow the fruits of those actions to ripen in their own time.
I don't need to think about the future benefits of what I do now, because I know I will receive what I need when the time is right.
If I let go of expectations and allow things to develop in their own time, I will be able to enjoy what I am doing in the present, and the future will automatically become good.
Soul Sustenance
8 Keys To Success For Facing Exams (Part 2)
A very important way of remaining stable in the days before exams and the exam days is keeping a positive thought of success and repeating it in your mind a few times in the day. This could be done starting from the morning as soon as you get up and ending in the night just before you go to sleep. Positive affirmations reduce your fear and increase your confidence. This could be done for 10-12 times in a day. Secondly, always remember that God, who is the most powerful energy in the world, is my constant companion at every step. Also, if I remember God a lot and leave the responsibility of my exam performance to Him, I will not get stressed myself. Say to yourself while studying - God, you are my best friend and companion and I hold your hand to take me to my destination of success. In this way, I will remain extremely light. Experience God is sitting with me while studying and while giving the exam and you will not only remain light but you will perform in your exams with immense satisfaction and success.
Another method of remaining powerful and focused mentally during exams is keeping a dream in your mind and bringing it alive. Always think that I will stand first in my class or school or college. Even if you have many friends or student colleagues who are better in their studies, dream big. A positive dream will become reality when filled with the energy of hope and determination. Fourthly, always think and believe that the good wishes of all my close loved ones are with me. The ones who have the blessings and positive energy of many people behind them, are more successful. So ensure that all the people you come in contact with, including your family members and close friends are giving you their support and love at all times. Also, take the help of your teachers and ensure that they are always thinking positively about your performance and always persuading you to do well.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
To make big things small is to remain in peace.
Expression:Many times life brings situations, which are difficult and seem impossible to work on. But there should be the ability to transform something as big as a mountain into something as small as a grain of sand. To do this means to look for solutions instead of looking at problems. It also means to make effort to find the right answers for the problems.
Experience: When I have the ability to look at things lightly, I will be able to make even big things as small. This gives me the courage to deal with situations with ease. Then I am able to remain in peace. Such a state of mind is naturally able to bring out the best solutions under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:Many times life brings situations, which are difficult and seem impossible to work on. But there should be the ability to transform something as big as a mountain into something as small as a grain of sand. To do this means to look for solutions instead of looking at problems. It also means to make effort to find the right answers for the problems.
Experience: When I have the ability to look at things lightly, I will be able to make even big things as small. This gives me the courage to deal with situations with ease. Then I am able to remain in peace. Such a state of mind is naturally able to bring out the best solutions under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, December 19, 2016
Thought of the day 19.12.2016
Spiritual Healthcare
Silence, happiness, love and blessings are important aspects. Happiness leads to good health. It is only you who can give this medicine to yourself. Some bring illness to themselves through anger, greed, unfulfilled desires, expectations, suppression of feelings and relationships not based on true love. Look in your heart, you will know where your illness comes from. There are three ingredients for a long and healthy life: live with attention but without worry; use time in a worthwhile way; keep your thoughts pure, positive and filled with strength.
Soul Sustenance
8 Keys To Success For Facing Exams (Part 1)
We all live our lives with different types of challenges always in front of us. One of the most important challenge which all of us at some time or the other face is giving a school or college exam, which will determine our future. And such an exam is as important as anything else. We often hear some of our close ones tell us that yes – we have an important exam in the coming days. These are mostly school or college exams and the ones giving them are important to us and we want them to do well in the same.
So, what should I, as a parent or a friend or a relative, give advice to people close to me so that they succeed in exams? A first step in giving exams that are extremely important is being determined and strong mentally and having a positive vision as well as attitude to them. Very often, some very intelligent children or grown-ups don’t do well in their exams. This is because of a lack of concentration which is affected by fear and nervousness. Very very well prepared students with their courses and syllabus, at the last moment, are not able to answer the questions presented to them because their minds are flooded with lots of thoughts. Most of such thoughts are negative ones of failure and the fear of the same. On the other hand, students who are lesser prepared but more strong mentally sometimes do well because their mental stability and the drive to excel positively is a lot more. In this message, we shall explain eight ways of increasing mental strength and focus, which will help students in their exams. They will also help you, even if you are not studying for any exam.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
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Message for the day 19-12-2016
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To understand is to be easy and light.
Expression:Life brings obstacles and difficulties. They do not come to stop or hinder progress. They can strengthen and help in bringing progress with more experience. To understand this is to keep advancing. Understanding this aspect means to know that it is not always necessary to find a solution, it is enough to keep moving forward, leaving the obstacle behind.
Experience: True understanding is to understand what the solution of the problem is and bring it into my own life accordingly. When I am able to understand this instead of focussing too much on the problem, I am able to remain happy. This brings a lot of inner lightness and ease and thereby I am able to use all my strength in bringing about solutions.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
We all live our lives with different types of challenges always in front of us. One of the most important challenge which all of us at some time or the other face is giving a school or college exam, which will determine our future. And such an exam is as important as anything else. We often hear some of our close ones tell us that yes – we have an important exam in the coming days. These are mostly school or college exams and the ones giving them are important to us and we want them to do well in the same.
So, what should I, as a parent or a friend or a relative, give advice to people close to me so that they succeed in exams? A first step in giving exams that are extremely important is being determined and strong mentally and having a positive vision as well as attitude to them. Very often, some very intelligent children or grown-ups don’t do well in their exams. This is because of a lack of concentration which is affected by fear and nervousness. Very very well prepared students with their courses and syllabus, at the last moment, are not able to answer the questions presented to them because their minds are flooded with lots of thoughts. Most of such thoughts are negative ones of failure and the fear of the same. On the other hand, students who are lesser prepared but more strong mentally sometimes do well because their mental stability and the drive to excel positively is a lot more. In this message, we shall explain eight ways of increasing mental strength and focus, which will help students in their exams. They will also help you, even if you are not studying for any exam.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
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Message for the day 19-12-2016
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To understand is to be easy and light.
Expression:Life brings obstacles and difficulties. They do not come to stop or hinder progress. They can strengthen and help in bringing progress with more experience. To understand this is to keep advancing. Understanding this aspect means to know that it is not always necessary to find a solution, it is enough to keep moving forward, leaving the obstacle behind.
Experience: True understanding is to understand what the solution of the problem is and bring it into my own life accordingly. When I am able to understand this instead of focussing too much on the problem, I am able to remain happy. This brings a lot of inner lightness and ease and thereby I am able to use all my strength in bringing about solutions.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Message of the day
To understand is to be easy and light.
Expression:Life brings obstacles and difficulties. They do not come to stop or hinder progress. They can strengthen and help in bringing progress with more experience. To understand this is to keep advancing. Understanding this aspect means to know that it is not always necessary to find a solution, it is enough to keep moving forward, leaving the obstacle behind.
Experience: True understanding is to understand what the solution of the problem is and bring it into my own life accordingly. When I am able to understand this instead of focussing too much on the problem, I am able to remain happy. This brings a lot of inner lightness and ease and thereby I am able to use all my strength in bringing about solutions.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:Life brings obstacles and difficulties. They do not come to stop or hinder progress. They can strengthen and help in bringing progress with more experience. To understand this is to keep advancing. Understanding this aspect means to know that it is not always necessary to find a solution, it is enough to keep moving forward, leaving the obstacle behind.
Experience: True understanding is to understand what the solution of the problem is and bring it into my own life accordingly. When I am able to understand this instead of focussing too much on the problem, I am able to remain happy. This brings a lot of inner lightness and ease and thereby I am able to use all my strength in bringing about solutions.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Thought of the 18.12.2016
Wisdom
Reading or listening to something good everyday will keep my mind healthy and happy. Thinking good thoughts over helps me to remember what I have heard. Then I become so healthy that when difficult situations come my way I have the inner strength to face them.
Soul Sustenance
Moving From Action Consciousness To Spiritual Consciousness
As the name suggests, to be a rajayogi means to be a practitioner of meditation, who with the practice of meditation is able become a ruler of the self. But on the other hand, rajayoga is not restricted to learning to discipline the physical sense organs only but more importantly, of redirecting the energy of my thoughts, feelings, emotions, intellect and sanskaras in a positive and constructive way. When these energies become positive, my karmas start becoming elevated. And how do I make these energies positive? By performing actions while having a mental connection with the Supreme Being or by having a meditative consciousness while walking, interacting, cooking, driving or working - in fact, while doing anything. After all, meditation is specifically related to the use of the mind and intellect and does not require the use of the physical sense organs and so can be done alongside each karma in the day – only the form of meditation changes depending on the karma being performed. Just as we can remember other things and people while being involved in various activities throughout the day, we can keep our minds on our true spiritual self, the Supreme Being, churn different aspects of spiritual knowledge, remain focused on a single aspect of spiritual knowledge, etc. while performing karmas – these are all some of the different forms of meditation – there are more that can be practiced. Thus, rajayoga can also be called karmayoga.Karmayoga meaning the one who maintains the balance of meditation and karmas while being involved or busy in karmas.
Message of the day
To move towards perfection is to have commitment for goodness.
Expression:The one who has a desire to move towards perfection is constantly busy trying to add goodness and positivity to everything he does. The aim is not just to keep out negativity but it becomes more important to add positivity. So such a person finds constant progress in his life and slowly moves towards perfection.
Experience: When I find little excuses to bring about positivity, I am able to enjoy each and every moment. I never find anything ordinary or waste but everything is meaningful and beautiful. I am able to enjoy the richness of each and everything and discover the hidden treasures in each and every moment. I find myself slowly moving towards perfection.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 17.12.2016
Peace is simplicity. Simplicity is beauty.
Choose a day as your day of simplicity.
Speak little, and listen with attention. Do something incognito and nice for a person you are close to. Eat simple and natural food.
Create time periods for not doing anything - just walk, look around, live the moment. Have your mind open to a more profound and silent sensitivity. Appreciate each scene and each person as they are.
Soul Sustenance
The Relationship Between The Soul And The Body
Human being means the consciousness, the soul or being (living energy), experiencing life through the physical body, the human(non-living). The body is perishable and temporary, whereas the soul is eternal and without physical dimension.
• The soul is the driver; the body is the car.
• The soul is the actor; the body is its costume.
• The soul is a diamond; the body is the jewelry box.
• The soul is the musician; the body is the instrument.
• The soul is the guest; the body is the hotel.
• The soul is the deity; the body is the temple.
I can use a knife to chop vegetables. I can use the same knife to kill someone. The knife neither decides (outwards) nor experiences (inwards), but can be washed easily under water. Now look at the fingers which held the knife. They neither decide nor experience the actions. They too can be washed under water. It's easy to realize that the knife is an instrument, but it is more difficult to realize that the fingers as well as the arms are instruments too. The legs are instruments for walking, the eyes for seeing, the ears for hearing, the mouth for speaking, the tongue for tasting, the heart for pumping food and oxygen (via blood) around the body, and so on. Even the brain is an instrument used like a computer to express all thought, word and action programs through the body and to experience the results. If every physical part of the body is an instrument, who or what is it that is using this instrument? Very simply it is I, the self, the soul. The soul uses the word I for itself and the word my when referring to the body; my hands, my eyes, my brain, etc. I am different from my body.
Message of the day
To let go of worry of the problem is to find the right solution.
Expression:When the mind is caught up with any problem there is a great difficulty in finding solutions. Instead when the mind is free from worry, it finds the answers that lie within. So whatever the kind of situations or problems, the one who is free from worry is the one who is able to respond to the situation in the right way. Nor does such a person take time in making decisions during challenging times.
Experience: When I only continue to worry about my problems it is like cursing the darkness. It will not bring light. All I need to do is light a little lamp and I will find the light coming in slowly spreading all around. I find that it is very easy to find the solutions that are already within me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:When the mind is caught up with any problem there is a great difficulty in finding solutions. Instead when the mind is free from worry, it finds the answers that lie within. So whatever the kind of situations or problems, the one who is free from worry is the one who is able to respond to the situation in the right way. Nor does such a person take time in making decisions during challenging times.
Experience: When I only continue to worry about my problems it is like cursing the darkness. It will not bring light. All I need to do is light a little lamp and I will find the light coming in slowly spreading all around. I find that it is very easy to find the solutions that are already within me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 16.12.2016
Ignorance makes you believe that life happens haphazardly
Wisdom teaches you that everything that happens in this theatre of life has profound significance.
What you see today is not the fruit of chance but a fruit from a seed planted in the past.
Plant seeds of peace now and you will create a life of peace in the future.
Soul Sustenance
Overcoming The Subtle Desire For Revenge
Ask yourself very honestly how many times in your life did you feel joy, even a slight trace of it, when something negative happened with someone who had harmed you or hurt you or insulted you in any way in the past – either in the immediate or distant (far-away) past. When this kind of joy, which is an impure form of joy, is seen inside you, even if it is at your extremely subtle thought level (if not in your words or actions), you need to remember that this is nothing but a feeling of subtle revenge, even if physically you haven’t got back at any point of time at the person who has harmed you, when he did so. It may not sound very nice, but this kind of joy is enjoying the pain of others and is obviously an extremely low grade form of joy. Sometimes, as a way of justifying our joyful revenge, we call it justice.
The driving energy or fuel behind this kind of revenge is hatred or anger. It is a feeling of: I really enjoyed it when what they had done to me came to them - I was so happy to see them suffer for what they had done, this is their punishment … tit for tat. It is a type of joy that only increases our accounts of negative karmas with the other person, which as a result, increases our sorrow, instead of decreasing it, although it may give us an impression for a while that it is decreasing our sorrow. This kind of joy will only cause the radiation of a negative form of energy to the other person, which will not only give pain to the other person, but will also cause the radiation of the negative energy of hatred from the other person to us that will never bring us long term joy. Imagine someone meeting with an accident on the road and in a lot of pain and instead of helping that person immediately we smile at that person happy with what has happened to him or her. What energy will such a person send us in return? This example is on a physical level, but the same principle applies on a subtle level. So the next time something like this happens in our life, we need to remind ourselves only if we don’t have the slightest trace of joy inside us that we can safely say that we are free from any desire for revenge, even though it may be very subtle.
Ask yourself very honestly how many times in your life did you feel joy, even a slight trace of it, when something negative happened with someone who had harmed you or hurt you or insulted you in any way in the past – either in the immediate or distant (far-away) past. When this kind of joy, which is an impure form of joy, is seen inside you, even if it is at your extremely subtle thought level (if not in your words or actions), you need to remember that this is nothing but a feeling of subtle revenge, even if physically you haven’t got back at any point of time at the person who has harmed you, when he did so. It may not sound very nice, but this kind of joy is enjoying the pain of others and is obviously an extremely low grade form of joy. Sometimes, as a way of justifying our joyful revenge, we call it justice.
The driving energy or fuel behind this kind of revenge is hatred or anger. It is a feeling of: I really enjoyed it when what they had done to me came to them - I was so happy to see them suffer for what they had done, this is their punishment … tit for tat. It is a type of joy that only increases our accounts of negative karmas with the other person, which as a result, increases our sorrow, instead of decreasing it, although it may give us an impression for a while that it is decreasing our sorrow. This kind of joy will only cause the radiation of a negative form of energy to the other person, which will not only give pain to the other person, but will also cause the radiation of the negative energy of hatred from the other person to us that will never bring us long term joy. Imagine someone meeting with an accident on the road and in a lot of pain and instead of helping that person immediately we smile at that person happy with what has happened to him or her. What energy will such a person send us in return? This example is on a physical level, but the same principle applies on a subtle level. So the next time something like this happens in our life, we need to remind ourselves only if we don’t have the slightest trace of joy inside us that we can safely say that we are free from any desire for revenge, even though it may be very subtle.
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