Bhagwat Gita is having the universal appeal. It is above all religions as it teaches the philosophy of truth. Though Bhagwat Gita was taught by "Lord Sri Krishna" to His disciple "Arjuna" more than 5000 years ago but it's teachings are still relevant in our day to day life. It appeals to every human being on earth irrespective of the country, caste, creed or religion.
Recently I came across one article about Bhagwat Gita in which there were views of Prison Inmates in USA about Bhagwat Gita. These are basically the views expressed by Prison Inmates through the letters written by them from the Prisons in USA. It is interesting to read these letters in this article. Click on the link here to read that article............Letters From Prison Inmates About Bhagavad Gita As It Is
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
God - Take Me In Your Refuge
Once a new born cub of a Lion was moving in the forest when he heard the howling sounds of other animals in the forest. On hearing these sounds, the little cub was frightened & rushed back to the Lion & Lioness. In the refuge of Lion & Lioness he felt comfortable as they were to protect him from any attack from other animals & both his parents were his protector in any eventuality. Similarly, when we are living in this world, whom we should consider our protector; who can take care of us & protect us from any eventuality in our life.
God is an invisible force who is present all around us. He looks after & takes care of the whole of this world. He is the witness of all our good & bad actions. As per Bhagwad-Gita, as the wind is pervasive all around us in the space; so is God or Universal Soul is present all around us. Now if we believe in Him & invoke Him by prayers then He shall certainly come to our rescue, as He always comes to the rescue of His devotees. So just like the lion cub, if we take shelter in the Almighty, then He shall certainly protect us in all circumstances.
God Himself declares in Bhagwad-Gita that, whosoever, comes in His refuge, He protects him fully.
"sarva-dharman parityajya
mam ekam saranam vraja
aham tvam sarva-papebhyo
mokshayisyami ma suchah" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eighteen verse 66)
"Sri Krishna said: O Arjuna, Leaving all religions, just come unto Me /surrender unto Me alone. By surrendering unto Me, I shall absolve you of all sins & always protect you, grieve not."
"man-mana bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yaji mam namaskuru
mam evaishyasi satyam te
pratijane priyo ’si me" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eighteen verse 65)
"Lord Sri Krishna said: O Arjuna, Always think of Me, become be My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My devotee."
Below is a beautiful Video with the underlying Bhazan"Mujhe Apni Sharan Mein Le Lo Mere Shyam" ie. "God - Take Me In Your Refuge". In this devotional video the singer "Sh. Vinod Aggawal Ji" is just invoking the Lord Sri Krishna to take him in His refuge. It is basically a more than one hour long Bhazan, sung by "Sh. Vinod Aggawal Ji" but here due to "You Tube" time limitation for a video, I have made a video of 10 minutes out of that Bhazan. Hope you would like it.
God is an invisible force who is present all around us. He looks after & takes care of the whole of this world. He is the witness of all our good & bad actions. As per Bhagwad-Gita, as the wind is pervasive all around us in the space; so is God or Universal Soul is present all around us. Now if we believe in Him & invoke Him by prayers then He shall certainly come to our rescue, as He always comes to the rescue of His devotees. So just like the lion cub, if we take shelter in the Almighty, then He shall certainly protect us in all circumstances.
God Himself declares in Bhagwad-Gita that, whosoever, comes in His refuge, He protects him fully.
"sarva-dharman parityajya
mam ekam saranam vraja
aham tvam sarva-papebhyo
mokshayisyami ma suchah" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eighteen verse 66)
"Sri Krishna said: O Arjuna, Leaving all religions, just come unto Me /surrender unto Me alone. By surrendering unto Me, I shall absolve you of all sins & always protect you, grieve not."
"man-mana bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yaji mam namaskuru
mam evaishyasi satyam te
pratijane priyo ’si me" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eighteen verse 65)
"Lord Sri Krishna said: O Arjuna, Always think of Me, become be My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My devotee."
Below is a beautiful Video with the underlying Bhazan
"Mein To Apne Mohan Ki Pyari" by Vinod Aggarwal Ji - Music Video
"Mein To Apne Mohan Ki Pyari, Sajan Mero Girdhari" is a a beautiful bhazan sung in the praise of Hindu God Lord Krishna. In this devotional video the singer "Sh. Vinod Aggawal Ji" is showing his divine love to Lord Krishna.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Indian Yoga and Meditation
This Article is contributed by Sh. M.P. Bhattathiri, Retired Chief Technical Examiner, to The Govt. of Kerala.
In the storm of life we struggle through myriads of stimuli of pressure, stress, and multi-problems that seek for a solution and answer. We are so suppressed by the routine of this every day life style that most of us seem helpless. However, if we look closely to ancient techniques we shall discover the magnificent way to understand and realize the ones around us and mostly ourselves. If only we could stop for a moment and allow this to happen…
Let me bow to Indian Maharishi Patanjali with folded hands who helped in removing the impurities of the mind through his writings on Yoga, impurities of speech through his writings on Grammar, and impurities of body through his writings on Ayurveda.
The American justice Dept. have recently approved the power of Yoga and Meditation vide a recent judgement in the American court. "Man Who Slapped Wife Sentenced to Yoga, It's Anger Management, Says Judge." First there was house arrest. Now there's yoga. A judge ordered a man convicted of slapping his wife to take a yoga class as part of his one-year probation. "It's part of anger management," County Criminal Court at Law Judge Larry Standley said of the ancient Hindu philosophy of exercise and well-being. "For people who are into it, it really calms them down."
Yoga which is one of the greatest Indian contribution to the world has got vast potential in all fields. At Tihar Jail in India, Yoga is experimented among the inmates and found successful. Their criminal mentality is changed. This study aimed at investigating the effect of "Vipassana Meditation" on Quality of Life, Subjective Well-Being, and Criminal Propensity among inmates of Tihar Jail, Delhi. To this effect the following hypotheses were formulated. 1) There will be a significant positive effect of "Vipassana Meditation" on the Quality of Life of inmates of Tihar jail. 2) "Vipassana Meditation" will have a positive and significant effect on Subjective Well-Being of inmates. 3) Criminal propensity of inmates will decrease significantly after attending the "Vipassana Meditation" course. 4) There will be significant difference in Subjective Well-Being and Criminal propensity of experimental (Vipassana) group and control (non-Vipassana) group. 5) Male and female inmates will differ significantly in Subjective Well-Being and Criminal propensity, as a result of "Vipassana Meditation".
In the famous "Time" magazine, the importance of Meditation and Yoga, an ancient Indian system, is highlighted that the ancient Mind- and Spirit-enhancing art is becoming increasingly popular and gaining medical legitimacy. It is a multi billion dollar business in US. In many Universities it is accepted as subject and included in the Syllabus. In the latest famous book "Inspire! What Great Leaders Do" written by Mr. Lance Secretan recently published by John Wiley and sons, the benefit of meditation is elaborately described for good corporate governance. By practicing transcendental meditation, or TM, many people have got relief from back pain, neck pain, depression. The mind calms and quiets. What thoughts you have during meditation become clearer, more focused. Anger, anxiety and worries give way to peace. In the world of exorbitant medical expenses one can definitely make use of meditation. Maharshi Mahesh Yogi and Sri Ravi Sankar are popularizing this.
In Bhagwad-Gita Lord Krishna has inspired Arjuna to rise from his depression by preaching Gita on the battlefield and to rise from the depression to do his duties. In Holy Gita we can see, being hidden by the cosmic overview of any institution beset with myriad of problems, not the least of which is its lack of moral probity, there is a groundswell of educated people seeking answers to deeply personal but universally asked questions. Chief Executives taking lessons from yoga, meditation and learning, how to deal with human resources equations in an enlightened manner. Individuals from every walk of life can get ideas of how to be better human beings, more balanced and less stressed out.
Medical studies continue to show regular meditation working magic in reducing blood pressure and stress-related illnesses, including heart disease. Brain images show that regular meditation helps calm the most active sensory-assaulted parts of the brain. The ancient Hindu sage Patanjali who had mastered the secrets of the human mind has written a book "Yogasutra". In this book we can see how super powers can be achieved by meditation. It has both cosmic relevance and cosmic resonance. In spite of its universal appeal, for most people total control of mind remains an elusive goal and daunting task. From time immemorial, there have been many attempts throughout the world to unlock the mysteries of the mind and to achieve total control over it through a variety of techniques. One of the most powerful of these techniques is meditation. Many spiritual leaders, sages, saints, and holy people such as Sri. Buddha, Sri Ramakrishna, Madam Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda have practiced this. It is said that in the unknown period of Lord Jesus Christ, He too was under meditation.
Ref. Yoga magazines
Newsweek
New York times
Time magazine
Let me bow to Indian Maharishi Patanjali with folded hands who helped in removing the impurities of the mind through his writings on Yoga, impurities of speech through his writings on Grammar, and impurities of body through his writings on Ayurveda.
The American justice Dept. have recently approved the power of Yoga and Meditation vide a recent judgement in the American court. "Man Who Slapped Wife Sentenced to Yoga, It's Anger Management, Says Judge." First there was house arrest. Now there's yoga. A judge ordered a man convicted of slapping his wife to take a yoga class as part of his one-year probation. "It's part of anger management," County Criminal Court at Law Judge Larry Standley said of the ancient Hindu philosophy of exercise and well-being. "For people who are into it, it really calms them down."
Yoga which is one of the greatest Indian contribution to the world has got vast potential in all fields. At Tihar Jail in India, Yoga is experimented among the inmates and found successful. Their criminal mentality is changed. This study aimed at investigating the effect of "Vipassana Meditation" on Quality of Life, Subjective Well-Being, and Criminal Propensity among inmates of Tihar Jail, Delhi. To this effect the following hypotheses were formulated. 1) There will be a significant positive effect of "Vipassana Meditation" on the Quality of Life of inmates of Tihar jail. 2) "Vipassana Meditation" will have a positive and significant effect on Subjective Well-Being of inmates. 3) Criminal propensity of inmates will decrease significantly after attending the "Vipassana Meditation" course. 4) There will be significant difference in Subjective Well-Being and Criminal propensity of experimental (Vipassana) group and control (non-Vipassana) group. 5) Male and female inmates will differ significantly in Subjective Well-Being and Criminal propensity, as a result of "Vipassana Meditation".
In the famous "Time" magazine, the importance of Meditation and Yoga, an ancient Indian system, is highlighted that the ancient Mind- and Spirit-enhancing art is becoming increasingly popular and gaining medical legitimacy. It is a multi billion dollar business in US. In many Universities it is accepted as subject and included in the Syllabus. In the latest famous book "Inspire! What Great Leaders Do" written by Mr. Lance Secretan recently published by John Wiley and sons, the benefit of meditation is elaborately described for good corporate governance. By practicing transcendental meditation, or TM, many people have got relief from back pain, neck pain, depression. The mind calms and quiets. What thoughts you have during meditation become clearer, more focused. Anger, anxiety and worries give way to peace. In the world of exorbitant medical expenses one can definitely make use of meditation. Maharshi Mahesh Yogi and Sri Ravi Sankar are popularizing this.
In Bhagwad-Gita Lord Krishna has inspired Arjuna to rise from his depression by preaching Gita on the battlefield and to rise from the depression to do his duties. In Holy Gita we can see, being hidden by the cosmic overview of any institution beset with myriad of problems, not the least of which is its lack of moral probity, there is a groundswell of educated people seeking answers to deeply personal but universally asked questions. Chief Executives taking lessons from yoga, meditation and learning, how to deal with human resources equations in an enlightened manner. Individuals from every walk of life can get ideas of how to be better human beings, more balanced and less stressed out.
Medical studies continue to show regular meditation working magic in reducing blood pressure and stress-related illnesses, including heart disease. Brain images show that regular meditation helps calm the most active sensory-assaulted parts of the brain. The ancient Hindu sage Patanjali who had mastered the secrets of the human mind has written a book "Yogasutra". In this book we can see how super powers can be achieved by meditation. It has both cosmic relevance and cosmic resonance. In spite of its universal appeal, for most people total control of mind remains an elusive goal and daunting task. From time immemorial, there have been many attempts throughout the world to unlock the mysteries of the mind and to achieve total control over it through a variety of techniques. One of the most powerful of these techniques is meditation. Many spiritual leaders, sages, saints, and holy people such as Sri. Buddha, Sri Ramakrishna, Madam Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda have practiced this. It is said that in the unknown period of Lord Jesus Christ, He too was under meditation.
Ref. Yoga magazines
Newsweek
New York times
Time magazine
Friday, March 20, 2009
When Work Is Play then it is Karma Yoga
Have you ever played football or any other game just for the joy of playing it? When you play it with full vigor, then you derive special joy while playing it. If you play that game, for say two hours, then complete two hours give you joy of that game. In such a game it hardly matters for you whether you win or lose. After the game is over, a sense of satisfaction comes to you, as you had a good time playing it & you enjoyed it. But the only thing that is must in such a game to derive pleasure out of it is that you need to play it with full vigor & involvement. You need to be 100% in it while playing that game, as then only real joy of playing it comes to you.
Same is the case with any WORK that you do. If you get fully involved in it & give your 100% to it, then you too get a deep satisfaction doing that work & really enjoy while doing it. If there is a sense of complete involvement in any work, then you will love doing it, as it shall give a deep soul satisfaction that you have done your work with full devotion. In such an involvement, you just forget about the end result that this work shall derive. In any way, if you work with full dedication & devotion, then end result shall be good only & shall give success ultimately. But in such an involvement in work, it is the work only that matters & hardly mind thinks of the end result.
If you derive joy in work, then it becomes just like a play, in which joy of play is more important than the end result. So when WORK becomes PLAY then you are really doing it properly. Doing work in this way is what the Philosophy of Bhagwat Gita teaches us. In doing work in such a way, it becomes "Nishkama Karma" as explained in the Bhagwat Gita. "Nishkama Karma" just means, no egoism in our action, no expectation of any gain or reward but doing your work effectively. It is also that : “You have a right to action but never to the fruits of action.” Below verses of Bhagwat Gita Explains that only.
"Karmanye vadhikaraste
ma phalesu kadachana
ma karma-phala-hetur bhur
ma te sango ’stv akarmani" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 47)"
"Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty."
"Yoga-sthah kuru karmani
sangam tyaktva dhananjaya
siddhy-asiddhyoh samo bhutva
samatvam yoga ucyate" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 48)"
"Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: Perform your duty with an equipoise mind, abandoning all attachment to success or failure. Such equanimity is called Yoga."
So just do your work with your 100% involvement & dedication & derive pleasure out of doing such work. You yourself shall then see that when you care for the work only & not it's final outcome, you work most effectively. Doing work in such a way is only called "Karma Yoga".
Read also...............It's Journey not the Outcome that matters
Read also...............What is Karmayoga?
Jai Sri Krishna.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
River Worship - "Ganga Aarti"
The Ganga ( गंगा Gaṅgā) or Ganges River is a major river of the Indian subcontinent. It is associated with mythology, as well as, reality with the people of India. It is a very sacred river to all the Hindus. In Hinduism it is personified as a Goddess & it is an integral part of Hindu religion. It is believed by all the Hindus that bathing in the Ganges river, generally or on certain occasions causes the remission of sins and facilitates the attainment of salvation (Moksha). So Hindus travel from distant places to take a holy dip in it's waters. Hindus also immerse the ashes of their kin in the sacred waters of the Ganges. Such rituals normally take place at Haridwar, Varanasi (Kashi or Banaras) and Allahabad.
Recently I visited Varanasi which is also called Kashi or Banaras. Varanasi is situated on the bank of Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh state of India. It is considered to be the oldest city on earth. It is also called the city of "Lord Shiva". "Kashi Vishwnath temple" over here is a Shiva temple which is there in the city since time immemorial. For me visiting over here was really a spiritual experience. A spiritual aura pervades through whole of the city & a special peace comes to mind sitting on the banks of Ganges River. The greatest experience was participating in the "Evening Ganga Aarti" (Evening prayers to the Ganges River) at it's bank. It was not less than a cultural festival which happens daily on it's bank. Thousands of people (Indian, as well as, foreigners) take part in this "Evening Ganga Aarti" daily. The devotion of the people is unparalleled at that time of evening prayers. Here below are some pictures of the Ganges River & the ritual of Ganga Aarti, taken by me at Varanasi. Hope you would like it.
In Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna himself declares that among all the rivers, God himself is there as "River Ganga ( गंगा Gaṅgā)" on this earth. So River Ganga is a form of living Goddess only. Below verse of Bhagwat Gita explains that only.
"pavanah pavatam asmi
ramah shastra-bhrtam aham
jhasanam makaras chasmi
srotasam asmi jahnavi" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Ten verse 31)
"Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: Of all the purifiers I am the wind; of the wielders of weapons I am Rama; of fishes I am the shark; and of all the flowing rivers I am the River Ganges."
Recently I visited Varanasi which is also called Kashi or Banaras. Varanasi is situated on the bank of Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh state of India. It is considered to be the oldest city on earth. It is also called the city of "Lord Shiva". "Kashi Vishwnath temple" over here is a Shiva temple which is there in the city since time immemorial. For me visiting over here was really a spiritual experience. A spiritual aura pervades through whole of the city & a special peace comes to mind sitting on the banks of Ganges River. The greatest experience was participating in the "Evening Ganga Aarti" (Evening prayers to the Ganges River) at it's bank. It was not less than a cultural festival which happens daily on it's bank. Thousands of people (Indian, as well as, foreigners) take part in this "Evening Ganga Aarti" daily. The devotion of the people is unparalleled at that time of evening prayers. Here below are some pictures of the Ganges River & the ritual of Ganga Aarti, taken by me at Varanasi. Hope you would like it.
In Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna himself declares that among all the rivers, God himself is there as "River Ganga ( गंगा Gaṅgā)" on this earth. So River Ganga is a form of living Goddess only. Below verse of Bhagwat Gita explains that only."pavanah pavatam asmi
ramah shastra-bhrtam aham
jhasanam makaras chasmi
srotasam asmi jahnavi" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Ten verse 31)
"Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: Of all the purifiers I am the wind; of the wielders of weapons I am Rama; of fishes I am the shark; and of all the flowing rivers I am the River Ganges."
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Gita Saar
Here below is the brief essence of the Philosophy of Bhagwat Gita. Teachings of Bhagwat Gita were given by Lord Krishna, the God Himself to his disciple Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra in Haryana State of India. These teachings were given more than 5000 years ago but these are still relevant today in our lives.
- Whatever happened in the past, it happened for the good; Whatever is happening, is happening for the good; Whatever shall happen in the future, shall happen for the good only. Do not weep for the past, do not worry for the future, concentrate on your present life.
- What did you bring at the time of birth, that you have lost? What did you produce, which is destroyed? You didn't bring anything when you were born. Whatever you have, you have received it from the God only while on this earth. Whatever you will give, you will give it to the God. Everyone came in this world empty handed and shall go the same way. Everything belongs to God only.
- Whatever belongs to you today, belonged to someone else earlier and shall belong to some one else in future. Change is the law of the universe.
- You are an indestructible Soul & not a body. Body is composed of five elements - Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Sky; one day body shall perish in these elements.
- Soul lives forever even after death as soul is never born & never dies. So Why do you worry unnecessarily? What are you afraid of? Who can kill you?
- Devote yourself to the Almighty God only. One who takes the support of God, always gains freedom from fear, worry and despair.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
The Important Three
Always think of : God Other's respect Self deficiency
Always be afraid of : Pride Greed Gluttony
Always Hate : Sin Ego Dirtiness of Mind
Always Care for: Mother Father Destitute Sick Man
Always follow : Truth Non Violence Chanting God's Name
Always Love : Doing Your Duty Your Country God
Always hurry in : Giving Alms Worship of God Reading Religious books
Always Have faith in: God's Grace Good Conduct Self Confidence
Always ponder on : How to be close to God How to help the poor How to make your heart Sin free
Always Talk Lovingly with: Your Wife Your Subordinates / Servants Poor People
Don't Hate : Lower Caste People Poor People Sick Man
Don't Disregard : Others Religion Others Deity Self Determination
Don't always think of : Money Son Self respect
Daily go to : Saint's place Worship Place To your Job's place
Three doors to hell : Lust Anger Greed
Always be afraid of :
Always Hate :
Always Care for:
Always follow :
Always Love :
Always hurry in :
Always Have faith in:
Always ponder on :
Always Talk Lovingly with:
Don't Hate :
Don't Disregard :
Don't always think of :
Daily go to :
Three doors to hell :
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Joy of Complete Surrender
Many of us do Prayer sometimes, some do it daily. We all do get some peace of mind & happiness while doing Prayer. Later on when we get involved in our daily chorus, all tensions of life again surround us. Little peace that we get during prayer is lost when we experience tensions of our job. How can it be that our mind remains at peace & in a happy state of mind always?
To be at peace with yourself & be happy all the times, you need to surrender your ego to the God completely. We need to be in constant remembrance of God. We need to take complete refuge in God by surrendering our ego at the feet of God. By complete surrender to God we do get freedom from all our sins and sorrows. In God there is no sin or sorrow. God is like the Sun in which darkness cannot exist. God is complete Joy, complete Bliss. When we are surrendering our ego to God, then we are surrendering ourselves to Joy & Bliss.
Whenever our ego separates ourselves from God, we become sad & unhappy & all tensions of life surround us. In any case we should not be egoistic, as to be egoistic is to show our separate existence from God, separate existence from Joy & Bliss. When the subtle veil of ego is torn between you & God then you are full of Joy & happiness. Just think yourself to be an instrument of God & devote fully to God.
So do Complete Surrender to God, as in this way you shall be free of all tensions of life & shall be at peace & be happy during all walks of life. Below verse of Bhagwat Gita teaches the same.
"sarva-dharman parityajya
mam ekam saranam vraja
aham tvam sarva-papebhyo
mokshayisyami ma suchah" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eighteen verse 66)
"Sri Krishna said: O Arjuna, Surrender unto Me alone. By surrendering all duties to Me, seek refuge in Me. I shall absolve you of all sins; grieve not."
To be at peace with yourself & be happy all the times, you need to surrender your ego to the God completely. We need to be in constant remembrance of God. We need to take complete refuge in God by surrendering our ego at the feet of God. By complete surrender to God we do get freedom from all our sins and sorrows. In God there is no sin or sorrow. God is like the Sun in which darkness cannot exist. God is complete Joy, complete Bliss. When we are surrendering our ego to God, then we are surrendering ourselves to Joy & Bliss.
Whenever our ego separates ourselves from God, we become sad & unhappy & all tensions of life surround us. In any case we should not be egoistic, as to be egoistic is to show our separate existence from God, separate existence from Joy & Bliss. When the subtle veil of ego is torn between you & God then you are full of Joy & happiness. Just think yourself to be an instrument of God & devote fully to God.
So do Complete Surrender to God, as in this way you shall be free of all tensions of life & shall be at peace & be happy during all walks of life. Below verse of Bhagwat Gita teaches the same.
"sarva-dharman parityajya
mam ekam saranam vraja
aham tvam sarva-papebhyo
mokshayisyami ma suchah" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eighteen verse 66)
"Sri Krishna said: O Arjuna, Surrender unto Me alone. By surrendering all duties to Me, seek refuge in Me. I shall absolve you of all sins; grieve not."
Fragility of Life
As per one Report:
"Even as India still has a long way to go before achieving the target of full registration of births and deaths, the country currently registers at least 34 births and 10 deaths every minute............but the figure accounted for less than 70% of the actual data as a number of states lagged far behind in the process."
So if we see, every minute people are born & every minute people are dying. Yet it seems to us that we shall be permanent on earth & forget that we shall have to leave this earth, one day or the other. Life is not permanent on earth & we too shall have to leave everything behind someday. So why this ego & attachment. Let's see the Fragility of Life & do something good in life. What good can be than devoting your whole life to God by doing all our actions for the God so that our present & hereafter life shall be better.
"jatasya hi dhruvo mrityur
dhruvam janma mrtasya cha
tasmad apariharye ’rthe
na tvam socitum arhasi" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 27)
"Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: One who has taken his birth is sure to die, and after death one is sure to take birth again. Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament."
"Even as India still has a long way to go before achieving the target of full registration of births and deaths, the country currently registers at least 34 births and 10 deaths every minute............but the figure accounted for less than 70% of the actual data as a number of states lagged far behind in the process."
So if we see, every minute people are born & every minute people are dying. Yet it seems to us that we shall be permanent on earth & forget that we shall have to leave this earth, one day or the other. Life is not permanent on earth & we too shall have to leave everything behind someday. So why this ego & attachment. Let's see the Fragility of Life & do something good in life. What good can be than devoting your whole life to God by doing all our actions for the God so that our present & hereafter life shall be better.
"jatasya hi dhruvo mrityur
dhruvam janma mrtasya cha
tasmad apariharye ’rthe
na tvam socitum arhasi" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 27)
"Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: One who has taken his birth is sure to die, and after death one is sure to take birth again. Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament."
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Good Words
"To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.'" When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.
Concentrate on this sentence...................."The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
Jai Sri Krishna
Concentrate on this sentence...................."The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
Jai Sri Krishna
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Are Women More Religious Than Men?
As per one Report:
"Women pray more often than men, are more likely to believe in God, and are more religious than men in a variety of other ways, according to a new study. Analysts say that the reasons could range from traditional mothering duties to the tendency of men to take risks, reports Live Science. The survey involved interviews with more than 35,000 US adults by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
A mountain of Gallup survey data attests to the idea that women are more religious than men, hold their beliefs more firmly, practice their faith more consistently, and work more vigorously for the congregation, "Gallup wrote."
As per me, to be religious or not depends upon individual's thinking & faith in God, irrespective of gender. It can vary as per different geographies of the world. I have my own data which varies from this report. I have a "Bhakti Sangeet (Devotional Music) Channel" on You Tube where as on date 101 Videos are uploaded. I joined You Tube one year back & as on date these Devotional Videos have been viewed 2.5 Million times in total. Daily average views by interested ones around the world are around 14,000 Video views on this channel. Below are Demographics Charts for my channel which explain how many % of Male & Female viewers are seeing these Devotional Videos. There is also a Bar Chart which explains the age groups, which are viewing these Devotional Videos.
Demographics
Who is watching the videos in this Channel?
So from these charts it is clear that overall 36% Females & 64% Males are seeing these Devotional Videos on my channel. Age group 35-54 are the most (for both the genders) who are seeing these Devotional Videos. This data is representative of my channel on You Tube only & not as a whole. I would again like to say that Faith in God is individual matter, irrespective of gender. Anybody & everybody is free to pray & have faith in God irrespective of gender. As per Bhagwat Gita God accepts everyone (even the vilest sinner) who worships Him with devotion. Below verses explain that only.
Api chet su-duracharo
bhajate maam ananya-bhak
sadhurev sa mantavya
samyag vyvasito hi sah' (Gita: Chapter IX verse 30 )
'Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: Even if the vilest sinner worships Me with full devotion, he/she should be considered a noble soul or saint; as he/she has taken the right step by worshipping me.'
'kshipram bhavti dharmatma
shasvac-chantim nigachati
kauntey pratijanihi
na me bhaktah pranashyati' (Gita: Chapter IX verse 31)
'Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: He/she speedily becomes virtuous and secures lasting peace. O son of Kunti, know it for certain that My devotee never falls.'
"Women pray more often than men, are more likely to believe in God, and are more religious than men in a variety of other ways, according to a new study. Analysts say that the reasons could range from traditional mothering duties to the tendency of men to take risks, reports Live Science. The survey involved interviews with more than 35,000 US adults by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
A mountain of Gallup survey data attests to the idea that women are more religious than men, hold their beliefs more firmly, practice their faith more consistently, and work more vigorously for the congregation, "Gallup wrote."
As per me, to be religious or not depends upon individual's thinking & faith in God, irrespective of gender. It can vary as per different geographies of the world. I have my own data which varies from this report. I have a "Bhakti Sangeet (Devotional Music) Channel" on You Tube where as on date 101 Videos are uploaded. I joined You Tube one year back & as on date these Devotional Videos have been viewed 2.5 Million times in total. Daily average views by interested ones around the world are around 14,000 Video views on this channel. Below are Demographics Charts for my channel which explain how many % of Male & Female viewers are seeing these Devotional Videos. There is also a Bar Chart which explains the age groups, which are viewing these Devotional Videos.
Demographics
Who is watching the videos in this Channel?
Genders for all age groups
Age ranges for both genders
So from these charts it is clear that overall 36% Females & 64% Males are seeing these Devotional Videos on my channel. Age group 35-54 are the most (for both the genders) who are seeing these Devotional Videos. This data is representative of my channel on You Tube only & not as a whole. I would again like to say that Faith in God is individual matter, irrespective of gender. Anybody & everybody is free to pray & have faith in God irrespective of gender. As per Bhagwat Gita God accepts everyone (even the vilest sinner) who worships Him with devotion. Below verses explain that only.Api chet su-duracharo
bhajate maam ananya-bhak
sadhurev sa mantavya
samyag vyvasito hi sah' (Gita: Chapter IX verse 30 )
'Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: Even if the vilest sinner worships Me with full devotion, he/she should be considered a noble soul or saint; as he/she has taken the right step by worshipping me.'
'kshipram bhavti dharmatma
shasvac-chantim nigachati
kauntey pratijanihi
na me bhaktah pranashyati' (Gita: Chapter IX verse 31)
'Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: He/she speedily becomes virtuous and secures lasting peace. O son of Kunti, know it for certain that My devotee never falls.'
Sunday, March 01, 2009
It's Journey not the Outcome that matters
How many of you want success in life? Everybody. How many of you want Failure in life? Nobody. How many of you have always succeeded in every endeavor in your life? Nobody. How many of you have tasted failure also on the way to success in life? Everybody. Now why it is that we all want Success only in life & no one expects Failure in life, while Failure is as a part & parcel of life as the Success is. Answer is simple, Success makes you feel at the top of the world, while Failure makes you feel depressed, demotivated. Have you ever wondered why we feel uncomfortable at failure & always dislike it?
Simple answer to why we dislike failure is that we are always result oriented & always have end result in our mind. We always expect a preset outcome for our work. If outcome is to our expectation then we are happy, otherwise, we get disappointed & depressed. It is the nature of our mind only that it gets elated & depressed at the results of our expectations. Say you have appeared for an exam & it's result is to be declared. If you have a preset in your mind that you shall get First class in the exams then you have tuned your mind for an expectation of First class. Now mind shall do it's own work when the result is declared. Just think what, simple, if you do get First class, then your mind shall rejoice & if you don't, it shall get depressed. Problem is not with the mind but with YOU who have programmed it for an expectation. Same is the case with all the work you do in your life with a preset outcome or expectation for your work.
Whenever we are doing a work keeping in mind the end result (say money, promotion etc.) then we tend to live in tension & desperation, driven to "the result" and attached to an outcome. While doing the work in this way takes a toll on our life. We may succeed, we may fail in our goal but in such a case we shall not be doing the work with peaceful mind.
Now see this Philosophy of enjoying the process or life experience while doing any work. Now if you do not work with the end result or preset outcome in mind & rather enjoy the way, the process, the path in doing any work, it shall be much better. Doing any work not keeping the preset end result in mind shall also relieve you from the disappointment of failure. In fact "Life is a journey and not a destination". If we love the journey of doing any work, we shall be more happy & satisfied than if we work with a preset end result in our mind. If we love the journey of doing any work then we shall not be in tension while doing the work. It shall also relieve you of any negative feeling, emotion, embarrassment, regret, etc. in the end if the outcome is negative.
It is the same philosophy that "Bhagwat Gita" teaches us. Here below is the famous quote of Bhagwat Gita:
"Karmanye vadhikaraste
ma phalesu kadachana
ma karma-phala-hetur bhur
ma te sango ’stv akarmani" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 47)
"Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty."
Basic meaning of this verse is to do your duty and be detached from its outcome. It is only teaching not to be driven by the end product but rather enjoy the process of getting there. The enjoyment of the process, experience of getting there is more important than the end result. It is teaching the same thing, "Life is a journey and not a destination". So enjoy the Journey not only the end result. So it is better to perform your actions and carry out your duty in an efficient way rather than caring or worrying about the results. Below verse also explains more.
"Yoga-sthah kuru karmani
sangam tyaktva dhananjaya
siddhy-asiddhyoh samo bhutva
samatvam yoga ucyate" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 48)
"Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: Perform your duty with an equipoise mind, abandoning all attachment to success or failure. Such equanimity is called Yoga."
Basic meaning of this verse is that if we do our duty or work with equipoise, peaceful mind & do not get attached to success or failure or end result of that endeavor, then we shall do our work effectively. In this way disappointment shall also be not there if we somehow do not succeed in the end. All the philosophy of Bhagwat Gita is only teaching that it is the process, journey of doing work which is important than the end result. Having this attitude of mind, you shall enjoy any activity or situation that you shall come across in your life, without the fear of failure.
Let your life be like a River. River flows with full vigor & power throughout it's journey. So same be your attitude to any work. Do your work with full vigor, enthusiasm & power. Enjoy your work. Doing your work or duty in such a way, your whole life shall be full of joy.
Simple answer to why we dislike failure is that we are always result oriented & always have end result in our mind. We always expect a preset outcome for our work. If outcome is to our expectation then we are happy, otherwise, we get disappointed & depressed. It is the nature of our mind only that it gets elated & depressed at the results of our expectations. Say you have appeared for an exam & it's result is to be declared. If you have a preset in your mind that you shall get First class in the exams then you have tuned your mind for an expectation of First class. Now mind shall do it's own work when the result is declared. Just think what, simple, if you do get First class, then your mind shall rejoice & if you don't, it shall get depressed. Problem is not with the mind but with YOU who have programmed it for an expectation. Same is the case with all the work you do in your life with a preset outcome or expectation for your work.
Whenever we are doing a work keeping in mind the end result (say money, promotion etc.) then we tend to live in tension & desperation, driven to "the result" and attached to an outcome. While doing the work in this way takes a toll on our life. We may succeed, we may fail in our goal but in such a case we shall not be doing the work with peaceful mind.
Now see this Philosophy of enjoying the process or life experience while doing any work. Now if you do not work with the end result or preset outcome in mind & rather enjoy the way, the process, the path in doing any work, it shall be much better. Doing any work not keeping the preset end result in mind shall also relieve you from the disappointment of failure. In fact "Life is a journey and not a destination". If we love the journey of doing any work, we shall be more happy & satisfied than if we work with a preset end result in our mind. If we love the journey of doing any work then we shall not be in tension while doing the work. It shall also relieve you of any negative feeling, emotion, embarrassment, regret, etc. in the end if the outcome is negative.
It is the same philosophy that "Bhagwat Gita" teaches us. Here below is the famous quote of Bhagwat Gita:
"Karmanye vadhikaraste
ma phalesu kadachana
ma karma-phala-hetur bhur
ma te sango ’stv akarmani" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 47)
"Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty."
Basic meaning of this verse is to do your duty and be detached from its outcome. It is only teaching not to be driven by the end product but rather enjoy the process of getting there. The enjoyment of the process, experience of getting there is more important than the end result. It is teaching the same thing, "Life is a journey and not a destination". So enjoy the Journey not only the end result. So it is better to perform your actions and carry out your duty in an efficient way rather than caring or worrying about the results. Below verse also explains more.
"Yoga-sthah kuru karmani
sangam tyaktva dhananjaya
siddhy-asiddhyoh samo bhutva
samatvam yoga ucyate" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 48)
"Sri Krishna said to Arjuna: Perform your duty with an equipoise mind, abandoning all attachment to success or failure. Such equanimity is called Yoga."
Basic meaning of this verse is that if we do our duty or work with equipoise, peaceful mind & do not get attached to success or failure or end result of that endeavor, then we shall do our work effectively. In this way disappointment shall also be not there if we somehow do not succeed in the end. All the philosophy of Bhagwat Gita is only teaching that it is the process, journey of doing work which is important than the end result. Having this attitude of mind, you shall enjoy any activity or situation that you shall come across in your life, without the fear of failure.
Let your life be like a River. River flows with full vigor & power throughout it's journey. So same be your attitude to any work. Do your work with full vigor, enthusiasm & power. Enjoy your work. Doing your work or duty in such a way, your whole life shall be full of joy.
Read also...................................What is Karma?
Read also...................................What is Karmayoga?
Mahakaal Tripurari - Bhajan - Music Video
Here below is a Video of the Devotional song of the Hindus to "Lord Shiva" called "Mahakaal Tripurari" which is a Hindu divine song sung in the praise of Lord Shiva , the Lord of Destruction as per Hindu mythology. To all devotees of Lord Shiva, it is very popular Devotional song & loved by all of them. As per the Hindu mythology god is ONE. Lord Krishna is same as Lord Rama & also same as Lord Shiva.
As per Bhagwat Gita Chapter Ten Verse - 23, God himself declares that He (Lord Krishna) is same as Lord Shiva.So enjoy this beautiful Video dedicated to God in the form of Lord Shiva.
"Mahakaal Tripurari" Bhajan is sung by Anuradha Paudwal.
As per Bhagwat Gita Chapter Ten Verse - 23, God himself declares that He (Lord Krishna) is same as Lord Shiva.So enjoy this beautiful Video dedicated to God in the form of Lord Shiva.
"Mahakaal Tripurari" Bhajan is sung by Anuradha Paudwal.