Realizing the self

The Bhagvad Gita explains that there are three paths to realizing the self. Knowledge (gyan), action (karma) and devotion (bhakti). Different people have the aptitude to adopt any of these paths.

As in case of all generalizations, we know this to be true. However, these paths are actually interconnected. Devotion or bhakti is the ultimate. Through knowledge and through karma, we ultimately realize that ultimate devotion and surrender are the final steps. And that comes from spiritual learning and action.

The main root of right knowledge is attachment. We are not our body, nor our minds. We are not our senses, nor the intellect or ego. We are not mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles. It is our role play that some take seriously. When you get hurt by these very people, this experience itself directs you towards the right knowledge and the right action. And then you realize that you are not in charge. You are not the doer. So, after exhausting yourself through ego driven actions, you finally lay down your weapons and prostrate before the light of the Almighty. For life is fragile. We are not in command for the most part though we think we are. And surrendering, there is nothing to DO. Things happen... and we are channels.

Surekha Kothari

www.BodyMindSoulCentre.com

surekhakothari.wordpress.com

SpeakingtreeBlog: www.speakingtree.in/public/surekhakothari

Quote of the day

Limits

Defining limits! A very difficult exercise for many. Specially to know when to stop. To know when you are encroaching on someone else's space. To know when you begin to cross the line and begin to intrude or encroach onto someone else's life.

Human psychology is complex to say the least. I realize that some very deep rooted insecurities make people cross limits, to grab something they believe will make them feel better. But that is far from what might happen in the long run.

Ultimately, you might succeed in controlling people for a while but once people set limits and demonstrate the need for space, crossing this might prove to be a bad choice.

They say, if you love someone, set them free. But if you end up controlling them, you show you don't love OR respect them. It only demonstrates a gnawing personal need.

Taking the space that is yours and then, with dignity, moves away. This speaks of a beautiful energy that is in harmony with itself.

Surekha Kothari

www.BodyMindSoulCentre.com

surekhakothari.wordpress.com

SpeakingtreeBlog: www.speakingtree.in/public/surekhakothari

Quote of the day

Digesting success!

Digesting success! It is a social issue which increases with more materialism incorporating elements like excess wealth, celebrity status and the power that accompanies these, often bringing in a certain amount of carelessness, even callousness and riding slip shod over people because with a head in the clouds, looking down is not a virtue in possession.

Spiritually, these are often not compatible because of what they do to the psyche. It is only the odd person who can digest “success” in terms of good karma being rewarded and therefore, gratitude.

But there is a little good news…

Today, the tolerance to myopic attitudes is wearing thin. The wheel is turning once more towards the universal values and against self centered thoughts and actions at the cost of others.

Today, gradually, right is being applauded as right and wrong as wrong. I guess we are fed up of artifice, might is right, the attitude that the end justifies the means and the economic disparities which continue to make it difficult for the common man to keep a certain standard, especially when there is so much available that money can buy today.. And it doesn't help to have glaring publicity and opulence for those few who have much and state it every minute with their attitudes, their lifestyles and not enough demonstration of improving the lot of the masses in the country.

No, I am not either a communist or an anti capitalist. But I do believe in values like stooping when tall, humble when successful and contributing to creating a balanced society in every way.

Surekha Kothari

www.BodyMindSoulCentre.com

surekhakothari.wordpress.com

SpeakingtreeBlog: www.speakingtree.in/public/surekhakothari

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Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day