Thought of the day 25.2.2017

The Influence of Gossip

I cannot afford to overlook the influence that other people have on me. There are cases where people quarrel, fight and even commit murder because they are influenced by gossip, influenced by the words of others. To what extent do I check that I am not being influenced by gossip? Negativity in the mind is like poison. Negative thoughts are the seeds of negative actions. It might seem like a simple everyday occurrence - my friends tell me in the strictest confidence that such and such a person is like this and does so-and-so. I listen and accept without question because of the friendship. My attitude and actions now become influenced by my friend’s words, and I find myself acting and reacting in accordance with the information fed to me. Gossip and guessing bring sorrow, heaviness and distrust. Poison can come in many disguises, but poison is poison whether from an enemy or a friend.

Soul Sustenance

8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 6) 

In yesterday’s message, we had explained how spiritual wisdom is the key to using spiritual strength in a particular situation which is required to use a certain power out of the eight main powers. In this message, which is the last part of this message series, we explain how we fill ourselves with spiritual strength because only wisdom is not enough to experience success in a particular situation. Spiritual wisdom will be incomplete without spiritual strength and will be like an axe without a sharp edge.

Spiritual strength is filled in the soul over a long period of time. It requires the practice of meditation, which is the only way a soul can empower itself after it has lost most of its powers in the cycle of birth and rebirth. Meditation, as taught at the Brahma Kumaris, is a technique of connecting the mind using thought power and intellect using visualization power, together with God. God is the Supreme Source of spiritual strength. In meditation, we take little steps of creating thoughts in the mind and creating mental images in the intellect. As a result, in a few minutes we reach a stage of higher consciousness of the realization of the soul and then God, the Supreme Soul which is the final step. Of course, after reaching an experience of a realization of the Supreme Soul, one needs to remain in that experience, which is a face-to-face deep connection with God. In this His power enters the soul and the soul is strengthened. So, this taking in of power or absorption of spiritual strength over a period of time naturally fills the soul with the eight powers. The 8 powers are the power to tolerate, power to accommodate, power to face, power to pack up, power to discriminate, power to judge, power to withdraw and power to co-operate. It is important to note that in meditation we use the mind and intellect of the soul to connect with the Almighty source. As a result, spiritual power gets filled in the sanskaras of the soul. In this way, we become a master almighty or a spiritually powerful child of God, full of all the eight powers. 

Message of the day

The right kind of support makes people independent. 

Projection:When I provide help and support to others, sometimes I find that they become dependent on me. They continue to expect the same kind of support that they had got from me before, when I am not in a position to give. Then my good gesture becomes a bondage or difficulty for me. 

Solution: When I am providing help to someone, I need to check the kind of help that I am providing. True help is to provide assistance in such a way that slowly the person learns to rely on his own resources and becomes independent. Then there will be no expectations from me. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 24.2.2017

Banish Ego

Ego is not just having a big head. Ego is present every time you feel any kind of fear, or hear yourself saying "That's mine". The truth tells us that nothing is 'mine' or 'yours', we are all trustees, and fear is only present where there is the voice of attachment. Detach from everything, and you will banish ego, fear will be no more, and only then can true love return.

Soul Sustenance

8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 5) 

In yesterday's message, we had explained the importance of the first step of the day as a step of determination and the effect it has on the entire day after that. But it is important to note that along with determination we also need spiritual strength and wisdom to bring the eight powers into practice. Strength is the inner ability of the soul to emerge and bring these powers into action. Wisdom on the other hand is to know which power is required and when and is the key to making the strength work i.e. bringing the power into actual action. Both wisdom and strength are of equal importance. 

Wisdom is learnt through the medium of spirituality. It includes the complete knowledge of the soul and how it works. Along with that the knowledge of karma which in short is the law of action and reaction. This means every good or bad karma causes a similar result, which the soul has to experience in the form of joy and sorrow. Also, a relationship with God and the knowledge of that as well as the knowledge of who is God and how we can connect with Him and fill ourselves with the eight powers. Along with that the knowledge of the world drama and how we come into the cycle of birth and rebirth and lose our eight powers and how we can regain them. Of course, lastly the knowledge of the eight powers and their practical use in day-to-day life. All these aspects of spirituality and their complete knowledge is spiritual wisdom. To attain wisdom, you do not need to leave your day-to-day life routine or your homes. It can be done while being a professional. On the other hand, the wisdom is required more if you are living a life in which you meet different types of people with different natures. This is only possible if you are living a life full of different relationships at the personal and professional levels. So, live in a family, go to office, run a business but do not forget to listen or read spiritual knowledge along with that. This is because without wisdom, you will not know how to use the eight powers and will not know how to be emotionally successful. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message of the day

The one who takes inspiration from others keeps moving forward. 

Projection:When I look at the specialities of others, I sometimes tend to get discouraged. At such times my own weakness(es) look very prominent and my specialities remain hidden. Such comparision might not actually lead to jealousy but subtly continues to have its influence on me in a negative way. 

Solution: At all times I must make sure I am constantly moving forward. Looking at others's specialities I need to take inspiration from them. I need to see what aspect I can imbibe in myself too. When I do this I will be able to experience constant progress being free from negativity. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 23.2.2017

Simplicity

Complications seem to be an inevitable by-product of modern living. Simplicity gives birth to inspirations. Keeping my own mind calm and clear is the easiest method to sort out messy situations. Maintaining a balance of living simply yet comfortably, and only using what I really need of the earth's resources, I will always have abundance in my life.

Soul Sustenance

8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 4) 

When starting a day, talk to yourself that from the first moment till the end of the day I will remain stable and not be lacking any of the 8 powers. The 8 powers are - the power to tolerate, power to accommodate, power to face, power to pack up, power to discriminate, power to judge, power to withdraw and power to co-operate. Then, step into the day on a determined note and see what difference this first powerful thought brings to the day. It’s like getting up and saying Good Morning to everyone around you. They say by doing that, not only the morning but the complete day is spent in a positive way. In the same manner, a morning thought of determination to succeed on an emotional level is a great start of the day. This goes a long way in making us immune to the effects of the different types of problems that come our way throughout the day. It can be called a morning mantra which keeps us strong till the night. 

A determined start of the day is half the work done and is the foundation of a day filled with success in keeping the mind under control and relationships successful. Also, the role in the family and at the workplace keeps running smoothly. Also, there is stability while handling wealth and lastly there is freedom from the sorrow experienced due to physical illnesses, if any. So, don’t ever be in a hurry to start the day. A hurried start to the day is a sure method of bringing about confusion and powerlessness in the complete day and is the main cause of experiencing failure repeatedly. The power to succeed does not only mean success on a physical level but also the ability to stay happy, content, peaceful and light while doing anything. So, enjoy the day on a physical level but do not forget that without the experiences of lightness and power you will not feel satisfied from inside and will not be able to enjoy life to its fullest. And for that, a morning pledge of power and determination is of utmost importance. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Soul Sustenance

8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 4) 

When starting a day, talk to yourself that from the first moment till the end of the day I will remain stable and not be lacking any of the 8 powers. The 8 powers are - the power to tolerate, power to accommodate, power to face, power to pack up, power to discriminate, power to judge, power to withdraw and power to co-operate. Then, step into the day on a determined note and see what difference this first powerful thought brings to the day. It’s like getting up and saying Good Morning to everyone around you. They say by doing that, not only the morning but the complete day is spent in a positive way. In the same manner, a morning thought of determination to succeed on an emotional level is a great start of the day. This goes a long way in making us immune to the effects of the different types of problems that come our way throughout the day. It can be called a morning mantra which keeps us strong till the night. 

A determined start of the day is half the work done and is the foundation of a day filled with success in keeping the mind under control and relationships successful. Also, the role in the family and at the workplace keeps running smoothly. Also, there is stability while handling wealth and lastly there is freedom from the sorrow experienced due to physical illnesses, if any. So, don’t ever be in a hurry to start the day. A hurried start to the day is a sure method of bringing about confusion and powerlessness in the complete day and is the main cause of experiencing failure repeatedly. The power to succeed does not only mean success on a physical level but also the ability to stay happy, content, peaceful and light while doing anything. So, enjoy the day on a physical level but do not forget that without the experiences of lightness and power you will not feel satisfied from inside and will not be able to enjoy life to its fullest. And for that, a morning pledge of power and determination is of utmost importance. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message of the day

Few words are required when thoughts are positive. 

Projection:I sometimes find myself using a lot of words to convey what I feel or to give explanations to others. Yet I sometimes find that others are not convinced with my words. I am then at a loss about what is to be done. 

Solution: Positive thoughts actually reach out to others and create the right environment. All I need to do is to create an atmosphere of positivity by maintaining my own positive thoughts. Then I will not have to use so many words to prove my point or to convince others. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 22.2.2017

Compassionate Soul

You are a soul who does not over-think, over-speak, or over-act- because you understand.

Soul Sustenance

8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 3) 

The list of different situations that we go through in the entire day is endless. Of course, the powers required in all the different situations are different. Sometimes not just one or two but all the eight powers, to different extents, are required to experience success. We have to bring the power into action. There are three stages of bringing a power into action. The first step is realizing that in a particular situation I need a particular spiritual power and being sure as to which that power is or powers are. For this, I need a calm mind and a pure intellect and also an experience of the past of having gone through different types of situations of the mind, body, role and relationships. E.g. if someone’s behavior is not very positive towards me, in such a situation, to experience success, I need the power to tolerate and accommodate. At the same time, in such situations, it is not wise to use the power to face i.e. being bold and trying to face the other person. I need to know that I have to face the situation, not the person, which could spoil the situation. So, I need to be clear about my choices and need to be sure as to which of the eight powers I should use. A wrong choice of power can mean a negative situation becoming more negative and a right choice can lead to a solution to a problem. 

Then, the second step is to emerge that power inside my consciousness. This depends on how my sanskaras have been filled with these eight powers over a long period of time. Of course, all people have all eight powers to a little extent at least, but some people’s sanskaras of the powers are deeper than the others and so they are able to emerge the powers more easily. Also, after that, the last step is implementing the power and bringing it into action. This means that the power does not only emerge in my mind, but it shows through my thoughts, words and actions also. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message of the day

The method to get help is to take the first step of courage. 

Projection:When I set out to achieve something, I usually expect help from situations or people, but am not always able to get it. Then I tend to become disheartened and sometimes tend to give up the task altogether. 

Solution: The right way to get help is to first take a step forward even in the most negative situations. With courage and faith when I start in whatever little way I can, I find the help coming to me. Then I will neither stop nor give up with the little setbacks that I am faced with. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 21.2.2017

Love Has Many Faces

Love can never be exclusive. The sun does not choose to shine on some flowers in the garden and not others. Loves is inclusive and has many faces - caring, listening, sharing from the heart, just accepting someone for what they are right now, are all acts of love, as long as you seek nothing in return. It all starts with acceptance of yourself - you're just fine as you are right now, warts and all. It's not that you will stay that way for ever - but you might, if you don't accept. The secret key to the greatest door called love is acceptance. First yourself, then others (especially the ones you currently resist) and eventually ...all

Soul Sustenance

8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 2) 

Whenever you start the day and you have work to do, remind yourself that I have to use the eight spiritual powers in overcoming situations of various types and experience success. Take for e.g. today I have to meet a group of executives in a company meeting and we have to take a few decisions based on everyone’s feedback. For such a situation, I need to use the power to discriminate the different opinions of people and also the power to judge and reach a final decision based on the different opinions. For this I need a clean intellect and a stable mind and also as mentioned in yesterday’s message the sanskaras of these two powers especially. Also, suddenly my close associate in the office develops a cold war with me i.e. he starts keeping a distance from me. In such a situation, to get him back on good terms with me, I need the power to co-operate and accommodate along with the other powers to a lesser extent. These are examples of two different situations at the workplace. 

Then there are situations involved with the body becoming ill at times and the mind feels burdened by that and the smile on the face is replaced by discontentment and indifference. This happens for many people when faced with such physical body related problems. In such a situation the primary power required is the power to face and the power to accommodate. The other six powers also reduce when faced with an illness. There are some people who lose their temper or get angry very easily when they are not physically well i.e. their power to tolerate and power to co-operate reduces. Also, some people will find it hard to discriminate right from wrong and judge correctly when are not well, which are two important powers required to be successful in real life situations. And again, because in all illness, negative thoughts can increase, there are people who will find it extremely difficult to get sleep and remain focused. This means that their power to pack up and withdraw gets affected in such a situation. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message of the day

To have equality in thought, word and action is to be successful. 

Expression:With regards to what I want to achieve, my thoughts are usually high. I then speak about my high plans to others too. But to bring my plans into action it takes a long time and by then I find that they have lost their intensity. 

Experience: I need to remind myself that if I don't implement my thoughts immediately, I will never do it. I also need to check if the thoughts that I have are practical. I need to then plan and speak about it according to my checking. Then I find that my thoughts and plans are not wasted away, but become practical. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 20.2.2017

Celebration

Every day is a celebration because instead of waiting for happy endings, we open our eyes to the wonder of life, to see the humour and magic in each moment. Delighted in the way things turn out, amazed at the beauty of it all.

Soul Sustenance

8 Powers To Experience Success (Part 1) 

A very important measuring meter of life which we forget to use in our daily routine is the spiritual power meter. This means that in any difficult situation of life, how good I was in using a spiritual power in overcoming that situation. The eight main spiritual powers are the power to tolerate, power to accommodate, power to face, power to pack up, power to discriminate, power to judge, power to withdraw and power to co-operate.

E.g. I am driving my car on a crowded road and all of a sudden my car is banged by another driver from behind leaving a big dent on my car. Very often and a lot of people in such situations, as we see in big cities, will get out of the car and confront the opposite car driver. Then they will demand a few thousand rupees from him. Sometimes, there can be a war of words and even a fight and sometimes when the anger is at its highest, it overflows and results in an injury or even death. Another person in a similar situation, on the other hand, will remain calm and instead of becoming angry, will forgive the other driver and instead of fighting, will quietly drive away. Which power does the first person lack and the other person has because of which the reactions are so different? In this situation, the power to tolerate and the power to accommodate the other person’s actions are the two main powers out of the above mentioned eight powers, which are required. Of course, the other six powers are also required but the two mentioned are required more than the rest. This is an example of a common situation, where anger and ego are the two main negative forces. The two spiritual powers – the power to tolerate and the power to accommodate have to gain victory over these negative forces. Also, a very important point to note that all four of them - the two powers as well as the two negative forces are sanskaras inside the soul which can be changed. This means that the power can be filled or increased and the negative force can be removed or reduced. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message of the day

The foundation of a beautiful life is positive thoughts. 

Expression:The one who is constantly thinking positive is able to keep his words positive too. His actions would surely be positive also and would be those that bring benefit to the self and others. So to have positive thoughts means to make a beautiful contribution in making one's own life worthwhile. 

Experience: When I continue to have positive thoughts, I create a foundation for a beautiful life. I am able to enjoy the beauty of whatever situations come up in my life. I am able to strengthen this foundation further because each positive thought multiplies as time passes by. So I am able to create a fertile ground for getting the best fruit from life. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 19.2.2017

Procrastination

The less I think about doing something and the faster I just get on with it, the fewer problems I cause myself. Good planning is always helpful, but time spent fretting and procrastinating is a major drain on my energy.

Soul Sustenance

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. 

Message of the day

To be experienced means to be an inspiration to many. 

Expression:Words heard can be forgotten, but that which is experienced remains as a deep impression that makes one move forward constantly. The positive experience acts as a stimulant so that others too take benefit from this experience. The actions of such a person are always beneficial. 

Experience: When I have an experience from which I learn, I am able to leave a deep impression for further growth. I am constantly learning from every single thing that happens in my life and I am able to sustain it as a beautiful experience for my life. So this learning becomes a powerful support for those who wish to change. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 18.2.2017

Learn To Create Silence

Learn to create silence in your mind and peace will flourish in your soul. You will see life with other eyes. You will discover God's language. To be internally silent do not think too much. Trust yourself. Trust others. Trust life. You will find it is easier than it seems.

Soul Sustenance

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 …) 

Message of the day

Love spreads positivity. 

Expression:The one who is loving is not limited by circumstances and his love is not restricted only to certain people. On the other hand, it is revealed in each and every act thus colouring everything and every relationship with the beauty of that love. To be loving is to be constantly a giver. It also means to forgive others easily and help them to move forward. 

Experience: When I am loving constantly, I am able to experience the joy of life. I am able to exchange the gifts of pure feelings and find my life enriched with them. I am able to enjoy the beauty of relationships without having to feel the bondage due to expectations. Each moment of my life is filled with beauty and joy. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 17. 2.2017

Start Early

The best time to awaken both body and spirit is in the early morning. We are fresh, in solitude, and the vibrations of the world are at their calmest. It is not surprising that you will find all experienced meditators and yogis up with the dawn, inviting the sun of spirit to shine into the heart of their soul. The first half hour of conscious awareness will be the foundation of your day. Make an early start. Meditate, set the switch of your consciousness and calibrate your energy for the day. You'll be surprised the difference it makes.

Soul Sustenance

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, 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. 

Message of the day

To give regard to all is to win the love of all. 

Projection:To give regard to someone who is older and more experienced is one thing, but it is also important to have regard to someone who is younger. When there is such regard, interaction with them would surely be positive. The words spoken would be encouraging and giving them support and never putting them down even when they make mistakes. 

Solution: When I am able to give regard to everyone, I am able to win the love of all. I am not dependent on others' love for giving them regard, but am able to appreciate them as they are. I am able to see their specialities and encourage them to use these specialities. This naturally wins the love of others, along with bringing improvement in their own life. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 16.2.2017

The Value of Optimism

When faced with problems it can seem difficult to maintain inner cheer, the mind gets caught up with more and more negativity, fear or worry. Because of this, the problem seems bigger than it is and we lose the ability to find solutions and work constructively.

The first step I need to take when I recognize a problem is to smile to myself. When I make sure I am happy within, I know that every situation will pass and has something to teach me. Then I will find solutions come more quickly and easily.

Soul Sustenance

Mental Churning And Its Benefits (Part 3) 

Whenever you start the day, create a few positive thoughts in your mind. Go for a walk or get ready for the day, keeping these thoughts and thinking about them. Also, ensure that before you do that, you read something which will fill your mind with positive thoughts. Remember, if an empty mind tries to think positive and create positive thoughts, it tires easily and in fact feels stressed. Try one day creating positive thoughts after filling your mind with positive information and the next day create positive thoughts when your mind is completely blank and see the difference. The energy and enthusiasm which you feel inside yourself after thinking deeply with a mind full of positive thoughts is much more than with an empty mind. 

This can be compared with the process of churning cream to get butter. If you try and churn an empty vessel without cream, will you get butter or if you try and churn a vessel partially filled with cream, will you get butter of a high quality? On the other hand, you will experience tiredness. In the same way, when you have information in the mind, you build on it and multiply the positive information by adding new perspectives, view points and angles to the knowledge. This is called churning of knowledge to create the butter of spiritual power. So, always remember to backup positive affirmations in your mind with lots of extra information which is like a cushion on which you rest and play with the points of knowledge. It is like throwing a ball in a closed room and letting it bounce from wall to wall. In the same way, churning knowledge is not simply repeating what you have read but creating a movement of the knowledge inside the room of your mind. This helps in experiencing happiness as a result of that. Such an exercise, when done over many days, creates soul power and strengthens our mind. In fact, it makes us extremely positive and free from negative and unnecessary thoughts that waste our mental energy when indulged in repeatedly. 

Message of the day

The one who is patient experiences constant success. 

Projection:I always expect things to happen fast. Even with a little effort on my part I expect high results. Because of my impatience I just can't wait, I jump to conclusions and react without understanding the problem. Thus I find it difficult to experience success in whatever I do. 

Solution: I need to understand that the fruit of the seeds I sow will come at their own time. This gives me the patience to wait without expecting results too fast. Also patience allows me to be calm even in the most negative situations. Thus I will be able to experience success whatever the immediate result of my actions might be. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 15.2.2017

Look For Goodness

In everything, goodness is there; our goal is to find it.

In every person, the best is there; our job is to recognize it.

In every situation, the positive is there; our opportunity is to see it.

In every problem, the solution is there; our responsibility is to provide it.

In every setback, the success is there; our adventure is to discover it.

In every crisis, the reason is there; our challenge is to understand it.

By seeing the goodness, we'll be very enthusiastic and our lives will be richer.

Soul Sustenance

Mental Churning And Its Benefits (Part 2) 

A beautiful mind leads to a beautiful personality which shows itself through our thoughts, words and actions. So taking utmost care of the mind in the early morning hours is extremely important because the absorption capacity of the mind at that time is very high. Giving instructions to it in the form of thoughts based on the soul and the Supreme Soul makes the mind soul-conscious. This is a training to the mind to keep its remembrance oriented towards the soul i.e. its own spiritual self and the Father of the spiritual self, who is God, the entire day after that. 

At any point of time on any particular day, if you have had a bad day, you could check how the start of that particular day was. You will realize that a bad start of the day very often leads to the remaining day being spent negatively. Also, a day which started positively in the company of your loved ones or a day which started by hearing a good piece of news or imbibing positive information or by watching a good program of spirituality on television will normally be spent positively. On the other hand, a day which started with watching or listening to negative news on the TV of accidents, death and violence or by reading a negative piece of information or with an argument with someone will be followed by a day with negative events. Why is this so? The thoughts are given shape in the morning and they act accordingly in the day after that. Also, the thoughts inside the mind in the night, before sleeping, have an influence on the state of mind the next morning and that in turn affects the whole day and is carried inside till the night. So, it is a cyclic process and to keep the cycle positive, the start has to be made every morning. As they say - as the food, so the mind i.e. physical food eaten of a good spiritual feel or positive energy level or saatvik in nature influences the mind positively. On the other hand, food eaten of low energy levels or tamsic in nature will influence the mind negatively. That holds true for physical food eaten by us. In the same way, food for thought, as they say i.e. the quality of our thoughts also influences our state of mind and complete inner state and how we feel. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message of the day

To live in the present is to be free from the influence of the past. 

Expression:Many times the past keeps coming back again and again in the mind, influencing the present too. The present is lost in thinking about the past. So there can be nothing done to enjoy the present. All words and actions then are totally coloured by the past. Instead the one who is able to free himself from the influence of the past is able to move positively towards the future. 

Experience: To be free from the influence of the past it is important to have a powerful consciousness of the present. To be able to be free from the influence of the past is to forget the past. Because there is the understanding that it is gone. Also there is no worry about the future. When I am able to learn to live in the present I am able to discover how full it is of peaceful moments. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 14.2.2017

Like A Star

At the end of the day, on the wings of your thoughts, go beyond the cares and troubles of the world. Remove your mind from everything and everyone, and become blissfully detached, like a star. Like a star, be free to radiate light, for your essence is light and peace. Enjoy the simplicity of the night sky, the peace. And then, when you want to, you can shoot down to earth.

Soul Sustenance

Mental Churning And Its Benefits (Part 1) 

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

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

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message of the day

To bring in light is to finish darkness. 

Expression:Usually when there is any negativity seen, there is a lot of attention paid to it. All the positivity remains hidden and only the negativity is highlighted. So the one who is caught up with a negative attitude colours all his words and actions too with this negativity and will naturally create a world of negativity for himself. 

Experience: When I am able to see the positivity even in both positive situations and negative situations, I am able to influence others with my positivity. Others' negativity will not influence me in a negative way, but I will be able to remain powerful in all situations. I will experience inner growth constantly. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 13.2.2017

Connecting With Others

We are normally kind to people who are kind to us. But when someone is not behaving well, we tend to change our attitude, response and behaviour toward that person. We wait for the other person to change before changing ourselves. So we do not find change in others or in ourselves.

When I see others’ inner qualities I connect to them more easily. I will not be dependent on another person’s behaviour for my own growth today. I will see each person’s positive aspects and take them within myself. In this way I will become richer with each interaction.

Soul Sustenance

The Journey Of Purpose 

All of us, at some point of time, in fact almost right through our life, keep different types of long term or short term goals - personal goals, professional, financial, social, relationship goals; goals related to physical well being and health, spiritual goals etc. Sometimes we are not even aware ourselves, but we are passing through the journey of life with some purpose or the other at all times, the purpose may be a higher purpose or something connected to our day-to-day living. 

Whatever actions we perform then, our aimed at fulfilling this purpose. Also these actions are full of lots of expectations, the expectations of achieving some results. These results which we desire or expect arrive at times and sometimes they don't. If they don't, which is a very common aspect of any such journey of purpose; they generate emotions of worry inside us. Even if the results are achieved, the nature of journey, prior to those results is stressful as compared to a journey which is purpose filled but expectation free, which some might argue is not possible. Worry and stress not only harm the spiritual and emotional self but even our physical body and relationships, making the journey difficult and tiring. It is not incorrect to be action oriented and having some clear objectives in progressing towards our purpose, but we need to be capable of aiming ourselves at our dreams without becoming date conscious and the expectation of them being fulfilled now, or on a specific date, in a particular way or form. If not, we live in a tomorrow consciousness and tend to get upset or discouraged easily and we don't enjoy today. It is not incorrect to be happy when we achieve something, but if our happiness is dependent on our achievements, we will always delay it. Happiness is not later, it is always now. It is commonly said - Happiness is a journey, not a destination. Here we say – Happiness is not only in reaching your purpose, your destination, but also in the journey of purpose. Also, it’s important to note that a carefree and detached intellect will always attract positive circumstances which serve as bridges in reaching one's purpose, much more, as compared to a worried intellect.

Message of the day

To make the aim and qualification equal is to bring perfection. 

Expression:To have an aim that is high is to naturally bring about the desire to do the best in everything. But also important is to make effort to bring about those qualifications that are needed to fulfill this aim. So the one who has the desire to make the aim and qualifications equal is the one who is able to bring beauty to every action. 

Experience: When I am able to make constant effort to bring in those qualities that are necessary for my aim I am able to bring perfection. I am able to experience the satisfaction of bringing a lot of change in a short time. I experience constant progress as I continue to make effort to move on towards my aim. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 12.2.2017

On Becoming Tolerant

When someone disbelieves us, we usually argue back and try to prove our point. Yet we find that the more we talk, the less people listen. Unable to convince them, we end up frustrated.

Instead, when someone challenges the truth of my words, I should think about whether they might be right. Rather than stubbornly clinging to my point of view, I could embrace this as an opportunity to learn. Even if I am correct in my thinking, if I become able to understand someone else's point of view without getting angry or refusing to listen, I become tolerant.

Soul Sustenance

Ways Of Improving Communication (Part 2) 

We had explained a few ways of improving communication yesterday. Some more are explained below herewith: 

Say what we mean, always. When we speak with courage and a calm self-confidence without force, then communication is honest, open, clear and trusted. Courage doesn't mean to say what we think others want to hear. If we lack courage because of the need for approval and acceptance, or because of a lack of confidence, then communication and the consequent relationship remains superficial and artificial. No one feels satisfied with this situation. 

Learn the language of silence. It is the basis of right intentions, positive feelings and clear attitudes. In this language, there is only one grammar: honesty and kindness. Honesty creates clarity and kindness creates respectfulness. 

When we take time to reflect on our level of communication with everyone we meet, the realizations we have in silence will be manifested (displayed) in the higher quality and ease of interaction that we will find in all relations: be it with the self, with others or with the Supreme Source of Light. 

Message of the day

To appreciate variety is to harmonise. 

Expression:When there is recognition that each human being is unique with his own unique set of capabilities, there is the ability to respect him for what he is. Then all attempts are made to harmonise with him instead of trying to make him just like oneself. So energy is channelised in the right direction and one becomes an inspiration for others too. 

Experience: To appreciate variety means to see the beauty and specialities of each and every individual. It means to appreciate the natural positive qualities in everyone and learn to blend my own qualities with theirs. This gives me the satisfaction of the beauty of relationships, because there are no expectations and no disappointments. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 11.2.2017

Miss Nothing

Being enlightened means being self-aware. Awareness of yourself means you don't miss anything inside. You are aware of things like the quality of your thoughts and feelings, of how you sometimes give your power to others, and how your self-esteem occasionally fluctuates. You don't miss anything because you know that knowing yourself is vital to being comfortable with yourself. Are you comfortable with yourself? No! Then be with yourself, talk to yourself, listen to yourself today. Take a few moments out and have a meeting with yourself. Put yourself in your diary. Put yourself at the top of your to list. And write next to it, 'being with myself'. Miss nothing in yourself.

Soul Sustenance

Ways Of Improving Communication (Part 1) 

Listen with both ears. I should be an active listener by tuning in fully and being present fully with the person and with the moment. If I am not, I listen through one ear and let it out of the other, or I only half listen, which finally creates misunderstandings. 

Understand where the other person is coming from. Do not just assume, imagine or judge; when we do this, our critical vision prevents others from expressing what they wish to say. Then, because of wrong or half-right assumptions, others are not given the possibility to improve, or express, outside the boundaries of what we think of them. To give others a true chance to express themselves, we must not place our own boundaries around them. 

Think before speaking. This is not something new, but however often we hear it, we forget to apply it. To think before speaking means to show consideration to the other and then we say the right thing, at the right time, in the right way. 

(To be continued tomorrow….) 

Message of the day

True change brings benefit to all.

Expression:When there is someone who is behaving in a way that is not right, the usual reaction is to have negative feelings for that person. All words and actions based on this negative attitude will naturally create negativity. Instead it is good to see what could be done to benefit the other person. Raising complaints only takes away inner peace. 

Experience: When I bring about a change that benefits even the person who is making the mistake, I am able to remain in peace with all types of people. I am not worried about why a person is behaving in a particular way, but I am able to see what is to be done in order to remove that particular negativity. The hatred is not for the person but for the negativity itself. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 10.2.2017

Anger

Anger causes a lot of damage. When someone gets angry, that anger also creates anger in others. It takes two hands to clap. Therefore, if someone gets angry shower that one with flowers.

Soul Sustenance

Returning To My Original State Of Goodness (Part 3) 

To return to our original state of goodness, we need to look towards a Higher Source of spiritual power and positivity. Asking for love and happiness from others is like the musk deer which possesses the fragrance it’s looking for in its navel but looks for it outside. We have all these treasures inside us. Going back to the original virtuous self means realizing this completely and then taking the knowledge and power to fill ourselves with these treasures from God, who never loses these treasures. Also, the more these treasures have reduced inside us over a period of many births, the more we have lost our happiness. Also, we have become burdened with lots of incorrect sanskaras or personality characteristics. These characteristics have become a part of our nature due to incorrect actions performed by us as we came down the ladder of many births or lives. 

So now, the call of time is to connect with the Supreme Being or Supreme Soul, the Supreme Parent of each soul of the world - God and regain all those positive qualities. This will make us rich internally, on a spiritual level. The more we do that, the more we will return to the original stage we had once, when we came down into this world from the soul world, which lies high above the physical world. Also, it is not only the time to become pure and positive again and start a new life, but it’s also time to first return back to the soul world for a short while. After that, we will start a new cycle of many births and rebirths in this world. This is the rest the soul needs before coming down in the world full of actions, interactions and relationships. Hence, we are on what we call, the return journey and the cycle of birth and rebirth will repeat itself. 

Message of the day

The one who has the aim to be perfect is the one who learns from obstacles. 

Expression:The higher the aim, the more the obstacles that comes one's way. Just as a perfect idol is one that has been chiseled a great deal, each obstacle comes to remove some or the other defect from within. The one, who understands this little secret, is able to use each obstacle as a beautiful learning for growth, and a chance to express the best qualities from within. 

Experience: When I am committed to bringing out my own inner perfection, I am never deterred by the temporary situations that come my way. I move on with confidence, taking time to look within and recognize the hidden potential within me. I am able to get closer and closer to the perfection that I always seek. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 9.2.2017

Forgiveness

Forgiveness frees the self and others from the prison of the past.

Soul Sustenance

Returning To My Original State Of Goodness (Part 2) 

Niceness at the level of our personality is original and our false or negative personality characteristics are acquired. A person who has been bad all his life is actually a very good soul or being originally and a person who has been good all his life is a much better soul or being originally. This is because we don’t limit our vision to a one birth reality because that is a false reality. A true reality is one of many births. A human being is temporary but a being is eternal. So, a being, which we call a soul, is nice when it begins to play its role in the birth-rebirth story of life. It is full of seven qualities – peace, joy, love, bliss, purity, power and truth. As it begins to play its role, it is not only full but is always radiating these qualities to others. This is called a no-expectations stage of the soul. As a result, it is constantly happy and overflowing with contentment. 

As the soul passes a few births in its role play, it loses these qualities and starts asking for these qualities from God and others around it. Slowly, the soul becomes expectation filled and the seven original qualities inside it begin to decrease. Such a soul is not able to play relationships well and positively and also experiences hurt and pain in different ways. Although it receives some qualities from God in worship, it is unable to go to its original state of fulfillment, until it has complete knowledge of the self and God and also the Law of Karma. This knowledge is called spiritual knowledge and the only one, who has it in complete truth, is God. This knowledge from God helps us become full of all qualities and powers and as a result nicer beings or souls. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message of the day

To receive blessings is to become worthy of them. 

Expression:Sometimes there is a desire to receive blessings from God or someone who is considered more powerful. But the one who has truly a thought of winning the love, regard and blessings of the other person is able to put in effort to be worthy of it. So he is constantly trying to be better and better in what he does. Thus he becomes worthy of everyone's blessings. 

Experience: When I am constantly making myself more and more worthy, I naturally win the love, trust and blessings from all those I come into contact with. I am committed to whatever I do and know that the blessings of God are with me because I am making effort. I have no fear or insecurity, but go on doing what I have to do with confidence. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought of the day 8.2.2017

Happiness

It is the art of living, the purpose of our existence. Happiness is the true index of quality of life. Without happiness, life is dry and meaningless. With happiness, life immediately becomes fulfilling and wonderful. Happiness is an infectious feeling that immediately lifts the sagging spirits of people. Happy people keep themselves happy because they know the little ways to appreciate themselves and to see the humour and magic in each moment.

Soul Sustenance

Returning To My Original State Of Goodness (Part 1) 

A very important and influential aspect of our lives is living every thought in our actions. It is said commonly – that practice what you preach. In other words, you have many ideal thoughts and good view points and you keep them as benchmarks to follow and look up to. But, sometimes whilst performing actions, you don’t actually live by these benchmarks, which not only disappoints and gives sorrow to oneself but also disturbs and gives sorrow to others. 

E.g. today I decide I will remain happy at any cost and give everyone the same. But as soon as I face a difficult situation or problem, it takes very little time for me to start worrying and radiating the same energy to others. Also, on another day I have an aim in my life that I will keep only good wishes for others. But as soon as I have to face a negative behavior of someone, I lose the love inside my heart and not only think negatively about the other person but also speak against the person to others. This spoils my relationships. So, these and many more are benchmarks which we keep in our mind and try and reach upto, throughout the day and everyday. Sometimes we are successful in doing so and sometimes are unableReturning To My Original State Of Goodness (Part 1) 

A very important and influential aspect of our lives is living every thought in our actions. It is said commonly – that practice what you preach. In other words, you have many ideal thoughts and good view points and you keep them as benchmarks to follow and look up to. But, sometimes whilst performing actions, you don’t actually live by these benchmarks, which not only disappoints and gives sorrow to oneself but also disturbs and gives sorrow to others. 

E.g. today I decide I will remain happy at any cost and give everyone the same. But as soon as I face a difficult situation or problem, it takes very little time for me to start worrying and radiating the same energy to others. Also, on another day I have an aim in my life that I will keep only good wishes for others. But as soon as I have to face a negative behavior of someone, I lose the love inside my heart and not only think negatively about the other person but also speak against the person to others. This spoils my relationships. So, these and many more are benchmarks which we keep in our mind and try and reach upto, throughout the day and everyday. Sometimes we are successful in doing so and sometimes are unable to do so. What is the reason for this? Are we not nice people at heart, all of us? Of course, some are nicer. But, according to spiritual wisdom, everyone is nice originally and basically. And also, everyone, at some point of time in their lives, want to be nice people. Some are serious in bringing about the niceness in their lives and natures and some think about the change towards becoming nicer but do not bring it in their personality with determination. 
(To be continued tomorrow …)  to do so. What is the reason for this? Are we not nice people at heart, all of us? Of course, some are nicer. But, according to spiritual wisdom, everyone is nice originally and basically. And also, everyone, at some point of time in their lives, want to be nice people. Some are serious in bringing about the niceness in their lives and natures and some think about the change towards becoming nicer but do not bring it in their personality with determination. 

(To be continued tomorrow …)