Reincarnation
-When taken as a fact, reincarnation allows a greater understanding of "Why some are born kings and other beggars" - in turn we become more cognisant of our decisions, choices and tendencies
-Reincarnation is of the mind wherein it takes up a different body - the mind can live sans a body but the body cannot live sans a mind
-Every action of ours directly impacts those around us - our past has scripted our present associations i.e. why we were born in a particular family and have particular friends, etc.
-All of our karmas are tied together - there are no random relations
-Conviction of reincarnation allows for a more peaceful life because we begin to live for ALL of our lives
-Reincarnation is a motivation for change - since our vasanas (tendencies) are carried from one life to another, we should strive to cultivate more spiritual vasanas
-Evasion of responsibility is a sin - so committing suicide is the greatest sin
-Reincarnation demystifies death - if we appreciated this truth we would stop living in fear of death and change
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Law of Karma - Total Thoughts (February 2, 2009)
The Law of Karma
-The Law of Karma only applies to the ego - when we Realize the Self there is no cause and effect
-Our present life (prarabdha) has been fashioned from our past karmas (sanchita) and our future life will be fashioned from our past and present karmas (agami) - the Law of Karma has everything to do with who we were, are, and will be
-Even the opportunity to think about the Law of Karma is enough to be thankful for let alone being guided on understanding this Law - our discussions create and emanate peace and joy
-We tend to relate good and bad with what others are doing and the reasons why they are doing - when we remove the idea that we are the 'doers' this painful dichotomy crumbles
-We need to curtail the activities of the subjective mind (mind) and encourage the functioning of the objective mind (intellect) - by doing so we overcome our likes and dislikes and begin to focus on what our duty is
-Cause and effect, the Law of Karma, as you sow so you reap, what goes around comes around, etc. are all different expressions of the same principle
-Any choice that causes us anxiety and sorrow tends to be wrong - any choice which creates peace and joy tends to be right
-There is only Life - there is nobody who lives a life
-The Law of Karma only applies to the ego - when we Realize the Self there is no cause and effect
-Our present life (prarabdha) has been fashioned from our past karmas (sanchita) and our future life will be fashioned from our past and present karmas (agami) - the Law of Karma has everything to do with who we were, are, and will be
-Even the opportunity to think about the Law of Karma is enough to be thankful for let alone being guided on understanding this Law - our discussions create and emanate peace and joy
-We tend to relate good and bad with what others are doing and the reasons why they are doing - when we remove the idea that we are the 'doers' this painful dichotomy crumbles
-We need to curtail the activities of the subjective mind (mind) and encourage the functioning of the objective mind (intellect) - by doing so we overcome our likes and dislikes and begin to focus on what our duty is
-Cause and effect, the Law of Karma, as you sow so you reap, what goes around comes around, etc. are all different expressions of the same principle
-Any choice that causes us anxiety and sorrow tends to be wrong - any choice which creates peace and joy tends to be right
-There is only Life - there is nobody who lives a life
President Obama's Inaugural Address - Total Thoughts (January 26, 2009)
President Obama's Inaugural Address
The Making of a Spiritual Student
-Can a spiritual leader be a political leader as well (i.e. Mahatma Gandhi) - can a political leader be a spiritual leader as well (i.e. President Obama)
-President Obama has offered more guidance than action - is he any different than a spiritual leader
-The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhists and the political leader of the Tibetan people - He is proving one can function in both the spiritual and political realms
-Is governance more effective in guiding society (i.e. being policed not to do something) or is education more effective in guiding society (i.e being taught not to do something)
-Does America suffer from the Arjuna disease - is knowledge essential for progress
-By acknowledging the Scriptures and past leaders, President Obama is seeking to empower everyone by showing everyone true possibility
-President Obama is inclusive in his message - his inaugural address was to the world's citizens rather than democrats or Americans alone
-President Obama has understood there will be disagreements in how to guide the country, while at the same time promises to listen - this simple practice has increased the awareness of spirituality worldwide
-"History will judge you not by what you destroy, but by what you build." - in our daily lives, how often do we strive to have constructive comments / ideas
-In his speech, President Obama makes several references to Scriptures and history to draw inspiration in trying to resolve our present problems - how often do we read our Scriptures
-President Obama's address is more spiritual than religious - the universal nature of this message is what has moved so many
-Religious ignorance is best countered with spiritual study - and spirituality can be a part of every moment if we choose so
-To experience Absolute Liberation (i.e. transcending ignorance) we have to experience relative Liberation (i.e. transcending laziness, anger, doership, etc.)
-Giving up the idea of mine and me is difficult - we still have to try
-Realization is achievable right here, right now - if we do not believe this truth, Realization will always be somewhere else at some other time
-Only the present is available to us - having regrets about the past or anxieties about the future is inefficient living
-Enlightenment is permanent Joy whereas all you and i know is fleeting happiness - for an Enlightened personality no Joy can be added or taken away
-When thinking about Liberation, we are closer to this goal than when we began - so we should never stop thinking about Liberation.
The Making of a Spiritual Student
-Can a spiritual leader be a political leader as well (i.e. Mahatma Gandhi) - can a political leader be a spiritual leader as well (i.e. President Obama)
-President Obama has offered more guidance than action - is he any different than a spiritual leader
-The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhists and the political leader of the Tibetan people - He is proving one can function in both the spiritual and political realms
-Is governance more effective in guiding society (i.e. being policed not to do something) or is education more effective in guiding society (i.e being taught not to do something)
-Does America suffer from the Arjuna disease - is knowledge essential for progress
-By acknowledging the Scriptures and past leaders, President Obama is seeking to empower everyone by showing everyone true possibility
-President Obama is inclusive in his message - his inaugural address was to the world's citizens rather than democrats or Americans alone
-President Obama has understood there will be disagreements in how to guide the country, while at the same time promises to listen - this simple practice has increased the awareness of spirituality worldwide
-"History will judge you not by what you destroy, but by what you build." - in our daily lives, how often do we strive to have constructive comments / ideas
-In his speech, President Obama makes several references to Scriptures and history to draw inspiration in trying to resolve our present problems - how often do we read our Scriptures
-President Obama's address is more spiritual than religious - the universal nature of this message is what has moved so many
-Religious ignorance is best countered with spiritual study - and spirituality can be a part of every moment if we choose so
-To experience Absolute Liberation (i.e. transcending ignorance) we have to experience relative Liberation (i.e. transcending laziness, anger, doership, etc.)
-Giving up the idea of mine and me is difficult - we still have to try
-Realization is achievable right here, right now - if we do not believe this truth, Realization will always be somewhere else at some other time
-Only the present is available to us - having regrets about the past or anxieties about the future is inefficient living
-Enlightenment is permanent Joy whereas all you and i know is fleeting happiness - for an Enlightened personality no Joy can be added or taken away
-When thinking about Liberation, we are closer to this goal than when we began - so we should never stop thinking about Liberation.
Ancient Scriptures for Modern Attitudes - Total Thoughts (January 19, 2009)
Ancient Scriptures for Modern Attitudes
-Scriptures are based on philosophical thought that has remained constant through time - though we know the interpretation of scriptures has changed depending on prevailing perception
-Scriptures are a representation of the Truth - hence they were applicable, are applicable and will be applicable
-Faith is essential in learning from scriptures - we should persevere and not let confusion hinder our striving
-Confusion can be a indication of progress - confusion may be that first step away from ignorance and towards knowledge
-We should take the time to understand our scriptures - if we do we will begin to understand how relevant their message is to our present life i.e how Prince Arjuna is really you and i
-We should allow ourselves to understand multiple perspectives - by reinventing our perception we encourage self growth
-Living in the present alone can give true happiness - we should practice being proactive and do our best at all times without worrying about the results
-With right thinking formidable tasks can be made less formidable i.e. by reading 2 shlokas per day we can read the entire Srimad Bhagavad Gita in a year - the same is true for all challenges i.e. losing weight, waking up earlier, cleaning your room, etc.
-Scriptures are based on philosophical thought that has remained constant through time - though we know the interpretation of scriptures has changed depending on prevailing perception
-Scriptures are a representation of the Truth - hence they were applicable, are applicable and will be applicable
-Faith is essential in learning from scriptures - we should persevere and not let confusion hinder our striving
-Confusion can be a indication of progress - confusion may be that first step away from ignorance and towards knowledge
-We should take the time to understand our scriptures - if we do we will begin to understand how relevant their message is to our present life i.e how Prince Arjuna is really you and i
-We should allow ourselves to understand multiple perspectives - by reinventing our perception we encourage self growth
-Living in the present alone can give true happiness - we should practice being proactive and do our best at all times without worrying about the results
-With right thinking formidable tasks can be made less formidable i.e. by reading 2 shlokas per day we can read the entire Srimad Bhagavad Gita in a year - the same is true for all challenges i.e. losing weight, waking up earlier, cleaning your room, etc.
What is Morality - Total Thoughts (January 11, 2009)
What is Morality?
Is Morality Inborn or Cultivated?
-By being more aware or paying attention we are better able to align our thoughts (within) and actions (without) - when there is no conflict between our thoughts and actions there is peace of mind
-Finding the root of alignment or misalignment is important to being happy - we should ask ourselves what influences these possibilities
-We need not conform to society's views with the assumption that society is right - we need to ask ourselves what is right for us
-Morals and ethics gauge / affect all that we do - appreciating this fact helps us to cultivate appropriate morals and ethics
-We should accept that alignment between our morals and ethics is not easy - the next step would be to understand why we compromise on either
-We tend to be unsure whether morals are instilled (nature) or developed (nurture) - we should continue to reflect on this to better understand ourselves
-Confusion is not necessarily negative - confusion can be that step away from ignorance and towards knowledge
-The more sincere we question, the more sincere an answer will be revealed
Is Morality Inborn or Cultivated?
-By being more aware or paying attention we are better able to align our thoughts (within) and actions (without) - when there is no conflict between our thoughts and actions there is peace of mind
-Finding the root of alignment or misalignment is important to being happy - we should ask ourselves what influences these possibilities
-We need not conform to society's views with the assumption that society is right - we need to ask ourselves what is right for us
-Morals and ethics gauge / affect all that we do - appreciating this fact helps us to cultivate appropriate morals and ethics
-We should accept that alignment between our morals and ethics is not easy - the next step would be to understand why we compromise on either
-We tend to be unsure whether morals are instilled (nature) or developed (nurture) - we should continue to reflect on this to better understand ourselves
-Confusion is not necessarily negative - confusion can be that step away from ignorance and towards knowledge
-The more sincere we question, the more sincere an answer will be revealed
The Vedantic Method - Total Thoughts (November 10, 2008)
The Vedantic Method
-What is learning - in the spiritual realm, how can we use finite perceptions to conceptualize the Infinite
-The difficulty begins with our conditioning of using finite words to define finite experiences relating to finite concepts
-The key is to realize there is more than meets the eye and to look beyond the words
-This is the nature of our Upanishadic mantras, Zen koans, etc., that challenge the mind/intellect to its limit - with deeper reflection the limits disappear leaving not awareness of any 'thing' rather only Awareness
-Focusing on the silence between two thoughts guides us in the unlearning process - what is the nature of this Silence
-Amazing that we think we are able to have complete experiences without even having understood the nature of experience, i.e. the experiencer (man), the experienced (object) and the experiencing (event joining the experiencer and experienced)
BUT who is actually experiencing - do we really know ourselves
-No experience is complete unless all three factors of an experience are known
-Can someone attain enlightenment independent of the Scriptures/Guru - why can't i start my own religion
-Someone trying to understand a baseball game ('Infinite') has to understand the rules, the sequence and the purpose of each strategy and play, before actually knowing/experiencing baseball - similarly, we need to need to follow the Scriptures/Guru to actually know what Awareness is thereby enabling us to actually seek Awareness
-To reach a finite goal trial and error is possible - to reach an Infinite goal, trial and error will only keep us in the finite
-To define the Truth is to defile the Truth - the Truth will always be the Truth only regardless of whether it is called black, white, brown, etc.
-There are examples of enlightened people who reached Awareness without the Scriptures/Guru, how is this explained - it is understood that the impressions of our previous lives influence our tendencies; therefore, logically the Scriptures/Guru-shishya Parampara must have been observed in their previous lives
-Our Scriptures/Guru state that the following are the means to realization: shravanam (listening), mananam (reflection) and nidhidhyasanam (meditation) - by engaging in these means repeatedly we will eventually reach Awareness
-It should be noted that meditation is not a verb, but a noun - meditation is our True Nature
-In sleep, intoxication, etc, there is absorption of mind ('samadhi'), however on emerging from such a state we are the same sad entities - only when we achieve absorption of mind (samadhi) through reflection on Self Knowledge do we emerge as glorious personalities.
-What is learning - in the spiritual realm, how can we use finite perceptions to conceptualize the Infinite
-The difficulty begins with our conditioning of using finite words to define finite experiences relating to finite concepts
-The key is to realize there is more than meets the eye and to look beyond the words
-This is the nature of our Upanishadic mantras, Zen koans, etc., that challenge the mind/intellect to its limit - with deeper reflection the limits disappear leaving not awareness of any 'thing' rather only Awareness
-Focusing on the silence between two thoughts guides us in the unlearning process - what is the nature of this Silence
-Amazing that we think we are able to have complete experiences without even having understood the nature of experience, i.e. the experiencer (man), the experienced (object) and the experiencing (event joining the experiencer and experienced)
BUT who is actually experiencing - do we really know ourselves
-No experience is complete unless all three factors of an experience are known
-Can someone attain enlightenment independent of the Scriptures/Guru - why can't i start my own religion
-Someone trying to understand a baseball game ('Infinite') has to understand the rules, the sequence and the purpose of each strategy and play, before actually knowing/experiencing baseball - similarly, we need to need to follow the Scriptures/Guru to actually know what Awareness is thereby enabling us to actually seek Awareness
-To reach a finite goal trial and error is possible - to reach an Infinite goal, trial and error will only keep us in the finite
-To define the Truth is to defile the Truth - the Truth will always be the Truth only regardless of whether it is called black, white, brown, etc.
-There are examples of enlightened people who reached Awareness without the Scriptures/Guru, how is this explained - it is understood that the impressions of our previous lives influence our tendencies; therefore, logically the Scriptures/Guru-shishya Parampara must have been observed in their previous lives
-Our Scriptures/Guru state that the following are the means to realization: shravanam (listening), mananam (reflection) and nidhidhyasanam (meditation) - by engaging in these means repeatedly we will eventually reach Awareness
-It should be noted that meditation is not a verb, but a noun - meditation is our True Nature
-In sleep, intoxication, etc, there is absorption of mind ('samadhi'), however on emerging from such a state we are the same sad entities - only when we achieve absorption of mind (samadhi) through reflection on Self Knowledge do we emerge as glorious personalities.
Drowned - Coated, Suited, Booted! - Total Thoughts (November 3, 2008)
Drowned - Coated, Suited, Booted!
-Since 1/3rd of our lives is passed in the dream/sleep state we truly need to reevaluate our attachments in the waking state - this begins with questioning what we believe and understand to be a dream (unreal) versus waking (real)
-We need to reanalyze our Needs vs.Wants - a catalyst to this self study is reflecting on the temporary and changing nature of our wants
-In order to identify our most 'basic' wants, we need to keep on removing our potentially 'excess' wants to the point where our happiness is unaffected (critical point) - the remaining wants are 'necessary' for our happiness at that point
-Why do we call it the pursuit of happiness - the pursuit itself implies/concludes being unhappy
-When Absolutely Happy (Liberated) there is no perception of happiness, there is only BEING which is Happiness - similar to how Existence just IS
-What we determine to be important is based on what is real i.e. casually dismissing the happenings of a dream - if we begin to challenge our assumption of what is real, challenging what is important must follow suit and so our whole life must change
-The mind makes us believe what is real and unreal - without the mind what would happen
-The mind is the creator of time and space and therefore the entire universe is a creation of the mind
-If we start observing ourselves as in a dream we will begin to reassess the value we give to objects, people and situations - at the end of the day then none could cause us sadness
-What proof is there that we are not in a spiritual hallucination where we have come to think we are separate from each other
-Since 1/3rd of our lives is passed in the dream/sleep state we truly need to reevaluate our attachments in the waking state - this begins with questioning what we believe and understand to be a dream (unreal) versus waking (real)
-We need to reanalyze our Needs vs.Wants - a catalyst to this self study is reflecting on the temporary and changing nature of our wants
-In order to identify our most 'basic' wants, we need to keep on removing our potentially 'excess' wants to the point where our happiness is unaffected (critical point) - the remaining wants are 'necessary' for our happiness at that point
-Why do we call it the pursuit of happiness - the pursuit itself implies/concludes being unhappy
-When Absolutely Happy (Liberated) there is no perception of happiness, there is only BEING which is Happiness - similar to how Existence just IS
-What we determine to be important is based on what is real i.e. casually dismissing the happenings of a dream - if we begin to challenge our assumption of what is real, challenging what is important must follow suit and so our whole life must change
-The mind makes us believe what is real and unreal - without the mind what would happen
-The mind is the creator of time and space and therefore the entire universe is a creation of the mind
-If we start observing ourselves as in a dream we will begin to reassess the value we give to objects, people and situations - at the end of the day then none could cause us sadness
-What proof is there that we are not in a spiritual hallucination where we have come to think we are separate from each other
Total Thoughts (October 6, 2008)
The Goal
-We need goals to reach our purpose - goals provide us with a journey
-Having a goal brings focus into our life
-How we achieve the goal is more important than the goal - it is not what we achieve, but how we achieve it - attitude makes all the difference.
-A goal must be our own and not what someone else has placed in front of us - this will make us dedicate ourselves
-Are we playing for the game or for money - do we need money to create future happiness
-If we surrender to our goal we will achieve the best results
-The highest goals are the ones that make those around us happy and so brings us peace
-If we choose monetary or self fulfilling goals we may be left with the thought of...what next
-The goals that are above our own needs and those of our family can prove to be the most rewarding
-We need goals to reach our purpose - goals provide us with a journey
-Having a goal brings focus into our life
-How we achieve the goal is more important than the goal - it is not what we achieve, but how we achieve it - attitude makes all the difference.
-A goal must be our own and not what someone else has placed in front of us - this will make us dedicate ourselves
-Are we playing for the game or for money - do we need money to create future happiness
-If we surrender to our goal we will achieve the best results
-The highest goals are the ones that make those around us happy and so brings us peace
-If we choose monetary or self fulfilling goals we may be left with the thought of...what next
-The goals that are above our own needs and those of our family can prove to be the most rewarding
Total Thoughts (September 29, 2008)
The Need for a Guru
-More than us seeking the Guru, the Guru seeks us
-The Guru takes us beyond the facts and knowledge of a book - the Guru teaches through his experiences and interactions with a shishya (disciple)
-The Guru seeks us once we have reached a certain level of mental purity and spiritual readiness - we must strive to purify our minds
-The more sincerely we seek, the stronger our answers and responses will be
-Being open to everyone, being open to what everyone has to teach and being open to having a Guru is important
-There can be many Gurus but only one Satguru - the Satguru teaches/shows us the Truth
-'Chin-Mudra' is that posture where the index finger touches the thumb while all other fingers are straight - this symbolizes the ego (index) becoming one with the Self (thumb) - on the spiritual path unlike the secular path, the ego points inwards and the spiritual seeker does not blame the world for anything
-Our intellect is our Guru but we are not ready to follow the intellect's guidance - hence we rely on external Gurus
-A Tree falls in a forest but no one hears it - does it make a sound?
-More than us seeking the Guru, the Guru seeks us
-The Guru takes us beyond the facts and knowledge of a book - the Guru teaches through his experiences and interactions with a shishya (disciple)
-The Guru seeks us once we have reached a certain level of mental purity and spiritual readiness - we must strive to purify our minds
-The more sincerely we seek, the stronger our answers and responses will be
-Being open to everyone, being open to what everyone has to teach and being open to having a Guru is important
-There can be many Gurus but only one Satguru - the Satguru teaches/shows us the Truth
-'Chin-Mudra' is that posture where the index finger touches the thumb while all other fingers are straight - this symbolizes the ego (index) becoming one with the Self (thumb) - on the spiritual path unlike the secular path, the ego points inwards and the spiritual seeker does not blame the world for anything
-Our intellect is our Guru but we are not ready to follow the intellect's guidance - hence we rely on external Gurus
-A Tree falls in a forest but no one hears it - does it make a sound?
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