Suffering is one of the most common ingredients of our desire.Even-though suffering can never be avoided in our lives,we can learn to use suffering to our benefit.The causes of suffering are mostly geared towards our need for permanence.Religious doctrine does mention the causes of suffering and sometimes gives few quick fixes.But only we ourselves through constant contemplation can find out the reasons for our suffering.To develop the required skill set to deal with suffering requires lots of patience.Trial and error process works perfectly.We can try a path ,then give it up..if it does not reduce suffering.The most important thing that I am working on is to reduce the suffering I induce on others(knowingly or unknowingly)
There are lot of books which say that when we heal the world,we heal ourselves.Many of my desires which cause suffering can be divided into two categories...
1.Primitive
2.Induced
Primitive desires are wired inside me.I cannot change them in my lifetime.I can try to reduce the extent how much they alter my outlook.Induced desires are the main culprits.The desires which were induced by society or my surroundings are not long lasting.What I desperately wanted in the past year...I detest the sight of it now.The desire gripped me,then left me.I feel prioritizing the desires would do the trick in most cases.But delaying the gratification may be the solution.
Thanissro Bhikku talks about the skills which are required to remove suffering.He says that the mind is unable to see beyond the instant gratification.The long term effects can never be seen by the mind.That is also the psychology of addicts.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Overload of Information
Lots of information enters into our mind through our sense - doors (eyes,ears).There is lot of information which is generated through our thoughts.Its not possible for us to cut away our eyes, nose and ears.Without Maya there may be no spiritual enlightenment.But this information overload makes me crazy sometimes.I performed some experiments using myself as a guinea pig :(
My conclusions are:
The enviornment always moulds us slowly.Sometimes our minds are weak and get threatened by the surrounding.Sometimes we cave in.But for the most part we can avoid the unwholesome environments.We can stay away from people who spread their negativity.If we are strong enough to fight the battle,then we can survive,if not we need rest and contemplation.With our own spiritual integrity we can reach a stage where we can take the bad experience coming in and churn out goodness.We can choose the better part in any duality.But we need to ripen to that stage.Personally I fight everyday with my fits of anger,laziness,pride and ignorance.There is a part of me which accepts my clay feet.Buddhist Meditation talks about vows which strengthen our ability to become wiser.Few vows add to our development.They help us from staying away from trouble and also make us more disciplined.
Note: This blog only caters to the topic of spirituality.My opinions may be biased and I try to write the gist of the whole experience.Most of the time I don't add any of the failures I have had on the way.Many blog readers think that I would have all the ideals (100%) as I write.These are the ideals I want to achieve and as always being a human,it is a work in progress.There are lot of fatal mistakes that I have made that I am not proud of.But the blog focuses on sharing the spiritual enquiry which can of be some gain to others.
My conclusions are:
The enviornment always moulds us slowly.Sometimes our minds are weak and get threatened by the surrounding.Sometimes we cave in.But for the most part we can avoid the unwholesome environments.We can stay away from people who spread their negativity.If we are strong enough to fight the battle,then we can survive,if not we need rest and contemplation.With our own spiritual integrity we can reach a stage where we can take the bad experience coming in and churn out goodness.We can choose the better part in any duality.But we need to ripen to that stage.Personally I fight everyday with my fits of anger,laziness,pride and ignorance.There is a part of me which accepts my clay feet.Buddhist Meditation talks about vows which strengthen our ability to become wiser.Few vows add to our development.They help us from staying away from trouble and also make us more disciplined.
Note: This blog only caters to the topic of spirituality.My opinions may be biased and I try to write the gist of the whole experience.Most of the time I don't add any of the failures I have had on the way.Many blog readers think that I would have all the ideals (100%) as I write.These are the ideals I want to achieve and as always being a human,it is a work in progress.There are lot of fatal mistakes that I have made that I am not proud of.But the blog focuses on sharing the spiritual enquiry which can of be some gain to others.
Trying to define Culture
Ug Krishnamurti talks about how the Culture has to go exit from our lives.According to him all knowledge is interpreted on our own level.If we have crossed the seas of ignorance every action will contain wisdom in it.If we are still at the nascent stage of illusory dominance then we look at everything from that perspective.I understood culture as something which we vaguely define by ancient monuments,old tunes of classical music and conservative fashion( which is a death to self expression).But as my knowledge in anthropology and history increases I begin to understand the present better.History is the guiding light to the present moment.But culture is also not a narrow set of rituals which when not followed will lead us directly to hell.So this whole charade of trying to protect our ancient heritage by the way we dress or talk is absurd.Every human being is unique and has a desire to express their uniqueness.Some people go the other way and shock the conservatives by expressing themselves in a weird/obscene way.
But this expression is a search for respect and value.Any ritual which aims to provide spiritual peace ultimately should not be contaminated by our own doses of ignorance or fear.
Then why are these rituals which bound us and not allow us to grow as human beings still around.History can provide us with an answer.In ancient India Buddhism gained a upper hand and was the major religion for many centuries(I don't know the exact timeline)This change from Hinduism to Buddhism happened because our main stream Hindu culture had become contaminated by weird rituals and human sacrifice.The remnants of these can be still found.Sati,child marriage,ill treatment of widows,sacrifice of animals(horse sacrifice etc) were so common.They were practiced till the late 1950's.Then Sankaracharya arrived on the scene and tried to remove the evil rituals and succeeded to an extent.Hinduism began its attempt to rise to glory.But Sankaracharya actions were made as rituals themselves,which is a ironical twist to his existence.If he was alive now,he would be disappointed by how people have formed his philosophy into a cult.Vivekananda failed to built a ashram which had no idols.Every time when an ashram was built the monks found a way to keep idols and pray.His dream of having a empty room to pray was never achieved.His idols are being used as gods themselves.Buddha had to face the same fate.His teachings of questioning everything and reaching nirvana went no where.After his death he was made into a "Super God."
May be our brains are wired to imitate and find easier routes to higher consciousness.Our minds are constantly telling us that,by exactly doing what others do we can reach the goal.The quote of J Krishnamurti can help us here.He says "Truth is a pathless land ."
The new definition of culture, I feel as spiritual aspirant I should learn is that there is nothing like a fixed way to the goal.May be some traditions and rituals may grant us some peace and serenity.But without our sharp logic and reasoning blade we cannot proceed.Many of them are contaminated by the use of male dominance.Some of them urge us to use our wealth to reach divinity.
Every being is capable of attaining the highest limits.Culture which makes me weak,which somehow gives me a ego boost,which helps me bully others...will be discarded.Ug Krishnamurti meant that this kind of culture which expresses itself in various negative ways should be discarded.He also showed a higher level where we can throw away the whole plate of religion,spirituality and also other theories.I have not reached that level.I don't know whether I would be able to hold myself on my own.
But this expression is a search for respect and value.Any ritual which aims to provide spiritual peace ultimately should not be contaminated by our own doses of ignorance or fear.
Then why are these rituals which bound us and not allow us to grow as human beings still around.History can provide us with an answer.In ancient India Buddhism gained a upper hand and was the major religion for many centuries(I don't know the exact timeline)This change from Hinduism to Buddhism happened because our main stream Hindu culture had become contaminated by weird rituals and human sacrifice.The remnants of these can be still found.Sati,child marriage,ill treatment of widows,sacrifice of animals(horse sacrifice etc) were so common.They were practiced till the late 1950's.Then Sankaracharya arrived on the scene and tried to remove the evil rituals and succeeded to an extent.Hinduism began its attempt to rise to glory.But Sankaracharya actions were made as rituals themselves,which is a ironical twist to his existence.If he was alive now,he would be disappointed by how people have formed his philosophy into a cult.Vivekananda failed to built a ashram which had no idols.Every time when an ashram was built the monks found a way to keep idols and pray.His dream of having a empty room to pray was never achieved.His idols are being used as gods themselves.Buddha had to face the same fate.His teachings of questioning everything and reaching nirvana went no where.After his death he was made into a "Super God."
May be our brains are wired to imitate and find easier routes to higher consciousness.Our minds are constantly telling us that,by exactly doing what others do we can reach the goal.The quote of J Krishnamurti can help us here.He says "Truth is a pathless land ."
The new definition of culture, I feel as spiritual aspirant I should learn is that there is nothing like a fixed way to the goal.May be some traditions and rituals may grant us some peace and serenity.But without our sharp logic and reasoning blade we cannot proceed.Many of them are contaminated by the use of male dominance.Some of them urge us to use our wealth to reach divinity.
Every being is capable of attaining the highest limits.Culture which makes me weak,which somehow gives me a ego boost,which helps me bully others...will be discarded.Ug Krishnamurti meant that this kind of culture which expresses itself in various negative ways should be discarded.He also showed a higher level where we can throw away the whole plate of religion,spirituality and also other theories.I have not reached that level.I don't know whether I would be able to hold myself on my own.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Perfection
I have always aimed for perfection.It is a hard place to reach as the common definitions which are thrown around leave no room for failures.I had a rather skewed idea of how things had to be done.To me either I should become the best OR I should never try it (in the first place).That made me miss out on lot of other opportunities in my life. Only after I joined the workplace after my masters ,I started realizing the importance of “Learning curves”
There is a theory which suggests that any vocation if taken up for 10,000 hours leads to greatness.But we need the passion and creativity to start in the first place.Then when we put hours of practice into it we achieve the desired results.Each of our lives are unique and we need skills to tackle the obstacles which often come up.So trying to imitate others leads to disaster.Also we need role models who can suit our goals.We are wired to think only about rewards and success as the world appreciates only when we win.Rote learning and never acknowledging our failures also becomes a habit.That's one of the greatest differences I see between the Indian educational system and Western educational system.Many of my colleagues who had western education would boldly tell the instances they failed to deliver the results.They will be the first to announce that they "Don't Know".They see education as a process of trial and error.No wonder the western world has produced great innovators who continue to inspire and motivate others.
Perfection is a ideal which we can never reach.It is a obsession to be the best.Like Alexander we may conquer many goals but at the end,we may not have time to enjoy it.Whenever I get into this mode of trying to out perform, I think about the real important things in life.A win gives our ego a high ecstatic feeling,but like all other feelings it is transient.Trying to do the best in the present moment and keeping all our ego ambitions on our back burner will be the ideal solution.But to put this principle in practice is very difficult.My mind gets preoccupied with future and gets charged up trying to make plans to reach perfection.One of the ways which helped me immensely was to look at the bigger picture.When my mind gets obsessed with any goal...like admission into a PhD program for a Ivy league university....I remind myself how billions of people are without education.The better approach for dealing with the problem would include me being thankful for the opportunity I was given to further my education.
Reference :
How to escape perfectionism?
By Peter Bergman
http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=3845
There is a theory which suggests that any vocation if taken up for 10,000 hours leads to greatness.But we need the passion and creativity to start in the first place.Then when we put hours of practice into it we achieve the desired results.Each of our lives are unique and we need skills to tackle the obstacles which often come up.So trying to imitate others leads to disaster.Also we need role models who can suit our goals.We are wired to think only about rewards and success as the world appreciates only when we win.Rote learning and never acknowledging our failures also becomes a habit.That's one of the greatest differences I see between the Indian educational system and Western educational system.Many of my colleagues who had western education would boldly tell the instances they failed to deliver the results.They will be the first to announce that they "Don't Know".They see education as a process of trial and error.No wonder the western world has produced great innovators who continue to inspire and motivate others.
Perfection is a ideal which we can never reach.It is a obsession to be the best.Like Alexander we may conquer many goals but at the end,we may not have time to enjoy it.Whenever I get into this mode of trying to out perform, I think about the real important things in life.A win gives our ego a high ecstatic feeling,but like all other feelings it is transient.Trying to do the best in the present moment and keeping all our ego ambitions on our back burner will be the ideal solution.But to put this principle in practice is very difficult.My mind gets preoccupied with future and gets charged up trying to make plans to reach perfection.One of the ways which helped me immensely was to look at the bigger picture.When my mind gets obsessed with any goal...like admission into a PhD program for a Ivy league university....I remind myself how billions of people are without education.The better approach for dealing with the problem would include me being thankful for the opportunity I was given to further my education.
Reference :
How to escape perfectionism?
By Peter Bergman
http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=3845
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Rhythm of my footsteps
I can hear the loud music playing
I cant bear the sound of screaming people
In search of silence I have started this walk..
I will try to listen to the sound of my footsteps..
The birds are chirping so loudly
Insects are buzzing as the sun sets
Cars go by making a loud noise
I will try to listen to the sound of my footsteps...
My phone rings...
A song makes a appearance ... my mind starts humming
I will try to listen to the sound of my footsteps..
In vain I try to listen to some crazy desire
In vain I make all things swing my way
I give up not wanting to change anything
Suddenly I can "Listen to the sound of my footsteps"
I cant bear the sound of screaming people
In search of silence I have started this walk..
I will try to listen to the sound of my footsteps..
The birds are chirping so loudly
Insects are buzzing as the sun sets
Cars go by making a loud noise
I will try to listen to the sound of my footsteps...
My phone rings...
A song makes a appearance ... my mind starts humming
I will try to listen to the sound of my footsteps..
In vain I try to listen to some crazy desire
In vain I make all things swing my way
I give up not wanting to change anything
Suddenly I can "Listen to the sound of my footsteps"
Negative Emotions
The stink of stale food warns us that it may be poisonous.Eye catching colors in the nature contain poison which may harm us.Nature has lot of effective tools to warn us about impending danger.Everyone has negative emotions which are not distributed equally.A child is not born with a genetic defect of causing harm.Environment governs it to a large extent.Development of an individual occurs in mysterious ways.There are few psychologists who think that there is a hormonal imbalance makes a innocent person into psychopathic killer.
What role do negative emotions play in our evolution?
A violent scene witnessed by a child can make the kid into a violent person or turn him/her to protect the disadvantaged.
Negative emotions serve two goals.Firstly they portray the damage that can be caused by our uncontrollable behavior.They provide a simulation.As humans when we put ourselves in that spot we learn a lot about suffering.Secondly negative emotions when shown by others become an alert signal for us to escape.If a part of the body has been diseased we have to amputate.But that does not happen.Both these cases are not so commonly followed by people.Animals blindly follow natures cues.They don't question.They are obedient servants.Humans are blessed with a calculative and logical mind.Our preferences/ attachments and our desire to mould every situation to our own benefit puts us on the wrong side.We miss the path of growing and evolving into a strong independent person because we are so convinced that things will always go our way.
What role do negative emotions play in our evolution?
A violent scene witnessed by a child can make the kid into a violent person or turn him/her to protect the disadvantaged.
Negative emotions serve two goals.Firstly they portray the damage that can be caused by our uncontrollable behavior.They provide a simulation.As humans when we put ourselves in that spot we learn a lot about suffering.Secondly negative emotions when shown by others become an alert signal for us to escape.If a part of the body has been diseased we have to amputate.But that does not happen.Both these cases are not so commonly followed by people.Animals blindly follow natures cues.They don't question.They are obedient servants.Humans are blessed with a calculative and logical mind.Our preferences/ attachments and our desire to mould every situation to our own benefit puts us on the wrong side.We miss the path of growing and evolving into a strong independent person because we are so convinced that things will always go our way.
Meditation ramblings
When you are meditating lot of questions start arising.Not that they were not there before.Its likes having a endless conversation with a person who never gets tired.Lately I have come to realize that most of my meditation sessions are problem solving sessions.Its like having a one hour meeting where present problems are spoken out.The past traumas and fears take control once I am done with the present moment.Then there is the desires of having a glorious future.Underneath all these is the intention of finding the truth.
The solution does not lie in running away or sacrificing everything.The mind will create fantasies from emptiness and peace Sometimes I feel that unless we understand the problems,we can never meditate and achieve inner clarity.The root of our problems may be the same.A situation when analysed from all angles may give us enough knowledge to overcome lot of the mental barriers.Sometimes I go through phases where I cannot meditate for weeks.
"I can force myself to meditate".
That would be a possible solution... but repressing the mental defilement's can cause them to explode with greater force.Meditation should only be used for developing the inner know-how of our mind.Unless we take a leap and put efforts to grow,the practice will never reap any benefits.The practice itself moves like a sine wave.The highs of mental bliss and the lows of confusion have to be accepted without any complaints
The solution does not lie in running away or sacrificing everything.The mind will create fantasies from emptiness and peace Sometimes I feel that unless we understand the problems,we can never meditate and achieve inner clarity.The root of our problems may be the same.A situation when analysed from all angles may give us enough knowledge to overcome lot of the mental barriers.Sometimes I go through phases where I cannot meditate for weeks.
"I can force myself to meditate".
That would be a possible solution... but repressing the mental defilement's can cause them to explode with greater force.Meditation should only be used for developing the inner know-how of our mind.Unless we take a leap and put efforts to grow,the practice will never reap any benefits.The practice itself moves like a sine wave.The highs of mental bliss and the lows of confusion have to be accepted without any complaints
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Body Complex
Ancient cultures gave importance to the perfect body.The Olmpyics was a result of the obession with the perfect form.The Mayan’s tampered with the muscles of a newborn's forhead, to comform to the mayan standard of having a flat forehead . They also drained blood from their bodies,as a form of sacrifice.The Victorians made themselves look pale white, as being feverishly delicate was the vogue during that time.During the same period women were supposed to have body sturcture identical to men.Fastforward few hundred years and look at the streets of London,people having silicon implants to look more voluptous. So if a Victorian super model travels in time and reaches present day London, she would be deemed as a ugly women.The standards have changed.
The native tribes in all continents still follow mutilation and body worship.
When we see the present day diseases of aneorixa and bulimia,we can see the results of body imagery affecting everyday life.The illusion that there is a perfect body somewhere drives everyone to achieve that ideal.I have suffered numerous "body -complexes" due to my conditioning and also the images of the media gave rise to low self esteem.Even Cindy Crawford in an interview, told that she can never look like the "Cindy Crawford in a magazine”. Then why does the society allow morphed images or impossible body ideals to enter the main stream media?
There are various factors which propel the society to give importance
to the body and not the mind.
1.Idolatory nature of the human species.(Valid from ancient times)
2.The adoration of youth and eternal life.Hatred of old age and
death.( Valid from ancient times)
3.Economic Benefit(The advent of Advertising)
Everyone in the present day has issues concerning their body.We all feel ugly because our bodies don’t match the surgically altered bodies of the actors/actress.We may not have flawless skin or pleasing face.But irrespective of that,the natural law's rots them and us at the same time.But perfection of body is a battle with the impossible.
We may struggle hard to keep the body in perfect shape and form,but old age will come.Death will hunt us down.Our body is bound to decompose and become manure.Yoga
has become so popular in the west.One of the western companies wanted to patent yoga as their invention.What was not done in 5000 years (in India),would be done in the past 50 years due to greed.Even yoga when followed as a exercise regiment may hold some benfits,but without the spiritual component, it becomes a money making machine.
But perfection of the mind is possible.We can reach it. Our mind may have the key to the realms of the unexplored.Thanissaro Bhikkhu in his meditation lectures(http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/meditations.html) says that:
The body works on the "Laws Of Dimnishing Returns".By obsessing with our body we cannot get any answers .By working on the mind we learn to deal with inevitable scenarios like death.Old age gives rise to various fears.Hallucinations and nightmares start ruling our mind once our body starts deterioating.If we spend our youth making our minds fearless and attain a state of peace by accepting death and permancence,we are bound to have a rich life.
The native tribes in all continents still follow mutilation and body worship.
When we see the present day diseases of aneorixa and bulimia,we can see the results of body imagery affecting everyday life.The illusion that there is a perfect body somewhere drives everyone to achieve that ideal.I have suffered numerous "body -complexes" due to my conditioning and also the images of the media gave rise to low self esteem.Even Cindy Crawford in an interview, told that she can never look like the "Cindy Crawford in a magazine”. Then why does the society allow morphed images or impossible body ideals to enter the main stream media?
There are various factors which propel the society to give importance
to the body and not the mind.
1.Idolatory nature of the human species.(Valid from ancient times)
2.The adoration of youth and eternal life.Hatred of old age and
death.( Valid from ancient times)
3.Economic Benefit(The advent of Advertising)
Everyone in the present day has issues concerning their body.We all feel ugly because our bodies don’t match the surgically altered bodies of the actors/actress.We may not have flawless skin or pleasing face.But irrespective of that,the natural law's rots them and us at the same time.But perfection of body is a battle with the impossible.
We may struggle hard to keep the body in perfect shape and form,but old age will come.Death will hunt us down.Our body is bound to decompose and become manure.Yoga
has become so popular in the west.One of the western companies wanted to patent yoga as their invention.What was not done in 5000 years (in India),would be done in the past 50 years due to greed.Even yoga when followed as a exercise regiment may hold some benfits,but without the spiritual component, it becomes a money making machine.
But perfection of the mind is possible.We can reach it. Our mind may have the key to the realms of the unexplored.Thanissaro Bhikkhu in his meditation lectures(http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/meditations.html) says that:
The body works on the "Laws Of Dimnishing Returns".By obsessing with our body we cannot get any answers .By working on the mind we learn to deal with inevitable scenarios like death.Old age gives rise to various fears.Hallucinations and nightmares start ruling our mind once our body starts deterioating.If we spend our youth making our minds fearless and attain a state of peace by accepting death and permancence,we are bound to have a rich life.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Practice
Spirituality is sometimes seen as a passive action.Love,joy,kindness,radiance .... are few of the words used to describe "spiritual people".These words are used to describe the results seen in a person,who has walked the path.
No way, can spiritual practice be described in these glowing terms.Spiritual practice is hard work.It involves pain of letting go.Torture of going through the inner battles.The most toughest part is, we have to do it alone.The definition of bravery gets changed overnight.Being fearless becomes very important.
It requires few of the methods we use to achieve our materialistic goals.We need time management,leadership,delegation and other management techniques to be on the path.Many techniques are learnt through our profession/interaction .I have seen people discard the worldly techniques as something inferior.Many are waiting to find techniques which are other worldly.There is this hidden feeling that somehow just because we are on the path...we are special..Our minds thinks that, there may be some other magical techniques which can make us pursue our spiritual goals.As long as the ways correspond to our principles and inner values,we can freely use them to achieve a better understanding of ourselves/true nature.
Sometimes, there is no need of staying isolated in a forest.We may never have any enlightening experience.When we stay in the world and deal with people,we are closer to enlightenment.- Eknath Easwaran
Machines never create problems which break an organization..People do that..
Six Sigma Methodology
No way, can spiritual practice be described in these glowing terms.Spiritual practice is hard work.It involves pain of letting go.Torture of going through the inner battles.The most toughest part is, we have to do it alone.The definition of bravery gets changed overnight.Being fearless becomes very important.
It requires few of the methods we use to achieve our materialistic goals.We need time management,leadership,delegation and other management techniques to be on the path.Many techniques are learnt through our profession/interaction .I have seen people discard the worldly techniques as something inferior.Many are waiting to find techniques which are other worldly.There is this hidden feeling that somehow just because we are on the path...we are special..Our minds thinks that, there may be some other magical techniques which can make us pursue our spiritual goals.As long as the ways correspond to our principles and inner values,we can freely use them to achieve a better understanding of ourselves/true nature.
Sometimes, there is no need of staying isolated in a forest.We may never have any enlightening experience.When we stay in the world and deal with people,we are closer to enlightenment.- Eknath Easwaran
Machines never create problems which break an organization..People do that..
Six Sigma Methodology
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Renaissance Soul
The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One
http://www.amazon.com/Renaissance-Soul-Design-People-Passions/dp/0767920880
Jack of All trades..Master of none..I dont agree to this statement !!!!
Life is long(not short)..We have time to pursue all the trades we want..We can also master as many trades as we want.A human being has amazing potential.Some people are incapable of handling more than one interest/profession.Some of us thrive under different professions/interest.
As the title suggests this book is a career guide for people who are passionate about many fields.When I pursued my Engineering,I also educated myself in Art,Astronomy,Music and Literature.To me it was just normal to fulfill my never ending curiosity.A lot of my peers thought that I was weird.I spent most of my weekends in the library devouring all the classics.My free time was spent taking Music and Astronomy classes.I also spent considerable expanding my knowledge on Art.
I have never felt it was a waste of time.
My knowledge of Astronomy landed me my first job in Masters.I taught Astronomy and Physics successfully for 2 years.
My love for art landed me my first volunteering job at a hospital.
My love for music expanded my circle of friends breaking all the barriers of race.
The book suggests lot of people like Da vinci and Benjamin Franklin.Da vinci was my idol ..He was a artist and also a scientist.I used him as a sheild to protect myself from peers who opposed my unending interest in learning.To me,life was about learning and improving.Once you master something,you pick the next challenge.When you reach the peak of the mountain,you see that there are other peaks to be reached.We have to be true to ourselves.Wherever the winds of life takes us we should sway effectively in that direction.
A well rounded individual will have a thrist for life.We cannot aim for riches alone ...We aim for excellence....
http://www.amazon.com/Renaissance-Soul-Design-People-Passions/dp/0767920880
Jack of All trades..Master of none..I dont agree to this statement !!!!
Life is long(not short)..We have time to pursue all the trades we want..We can also master as many trades as we want.A human being has amazing potential.Some people are incapable of handling more than one interest/profession.Some of us thrive under different professions/interest.
As the title suggests this book is a career guide for people who are passionate about many fields.When I pursued my Engineering,I also educated myself in Art,Astronomy,Music and Literature.To me it was just normal to fulfill my never ending curiosity.A lot of my peers thought that I was weird.I spent most of my weekends in the library devouring all the classics.My free time was spent taking Music and Astronomy classes.I also spent considerable expanding my knowledge on Art.
I have never felt it was a waste of time.
My knowledge of Astronomy landed me my first job in Masters.I taught Astronomy and Physics successfully for 2 years.
My love for art landed me my first volunteering job at a hospital.
My love for music expanded my circle of friends breaking all the barriers of race.
The book suggests lot of people like Da vinci and Benjamin Franklin.Da vinci was my idol ..He was a artist and also a scientist.I used him as a sheild to protect myself from peers who opposed my unending interest in learning.To me,life was about learning and improving.Once you master something,you pick the next challenge.When you reach the peak of the mountain,you see that there are other peaks to be reached.We have to be true to ourselves.Wherever the winds of life takes us we should sway effectively in that direction.
A well rounded individual will have a thrist for life.We cannot aim for riches alone ...We aim for excellence....
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Blog
Q & A
Why did I start writing this blog?
I started writing this blog in 2006 with a view of logging my own spiritual journey.I made it public,so that I can share my findings with like minded people.
What does the blog deal with?
I try to stay as honest as possible when I write a post.
Everything is divine.But I am biased towards few topics.Philosophy,Social Structure of Society ( like education and consumerism)Art,Music,Literature.
Who gets benefited from this blog?
There is no financial benefit from this blog.One of the reasons I did not monetize this blog is because it goes against the open source ideology of spiritual knowledge.This knowledge does not belong to a person.It makes no sense,if I make my blog into a personal possession.
Why don't I answer any comments?
We all evolve at different rates.I am going to respect a individuals opinion.I am not going to barge in...condemn them for not aligning to my views or I am not going to applaud them for holding the same beliefs as me.I thank everyone who comment on my blog.I do read them.
Why did I start writing this blog?
I started writing this blog in 2006 with a view of logging my own spiritual journey.I made it public,so that I can share my findings with like minded people.
What does the blog deal with?
I try to stay as honest as possible when I write a post.
Everything is divine.But I am biased towards few topics.Philosophy,Social Structure of Society ( like education and consumerism)Art,Music,Literature.
Who gets benefited from this blog?
There is no financial benefit from this blog.One of the reasons I did not monetize this blog is because it goes against the open source ideology of spiritual knowledge.This knowledge does not belong to a person.It makes no sense,if I make my blog into a personal possession.
Why don't I answer any comments?
We all evolve at different rates.I am going to respect a individuals opinion.I am not going to barge in...condemn them for not aligning to my views or I am not going to applaud them for holding the same beliefs as me.I thank everyone who comment on my blog.I do read them.
Isolation
Isolation can have great benefits on our lives.We can clean up all the mental clutter and perceive things in a new way.Its not people who bother us.But its unwholesome thoughts which creates havoc in our lives.Unwholesome thoughts make our mind crave for things which are not good for us.But we imagine that these thoughts are beneficial.We transform them into action and reap the misery.
We get a lot of information from people around us.Lot of thoughts creep into our mind through the Internet,television,bill boards etc..A lifestyle is advertised to us everyday.A introspective look into our own lives becomes necessary as we battle these cliched lifestyles that people want to sell us.Isolation is one of the ways we can become totally connected with our inner value system.Moral values are decided by the society.The theory of ethics defined by humanists.We should never take any hand- me downs from anyone or from any ideaology.I tried to do few experiments myself to see how the advertising media effects me.One major decision I took was I did not buy a T.V
For the past three years I have been living a TV free life.I made my purchases looking at advertisements.Call me gullible..(But I had lot of faith on the smiling models shown in the advertisements).Once the hypnotic gaze of Television was out of my life,I slowly started developing my own style.Netflix is a better alternative.
The second thing I wanted to erase out of my life was the constant measuring up of my life to the society standards.If I want to spend my weekend watching a series on Mayan culture and not shop,it is perfectly O.K
I dont have to go to a exotic place whenever I get a vacation.It is perfectly fine to stay at home and do nothing.(Its zen at its best)
This is isolation from the evil clutches of mediocrity.
We may try very hard to become original based on our inner likes and dislikes.But the difficult part would be to deal with people who dont understand our ways.
There is a popular Buddhist story...
The monk asks the disciples...
"What would you do when thorns prick your legs at every step you take?"
The disciples replies
I would use leather to protect my feet.
The monk agrees and says...
We cannot cover the whole world with leather so that nothing pricks us.But it easier to cover our feet with leather so that we dont get hurt.
Isolation is not accepted by the society.The world economy depends on consumerism.But by knowing more about ourselves we can prepare a mental shield to filter all the junk.
We get a lot of information from people around us.Lot of thoughts creep into our mind through the Internet,television,bill boards etc..A lifestyle is advertised to us everyday.A introspective look into our own lives becomes necessary as we battle these cliched lifestyles that people want to sell us.Isolation is one of the ways we can become totally connected with our inner value system.Moral values are decided by the society.The theory of ethics defined by humanists.We should never take any hand- me downs from anyone or from any ideaology.I tried to do few experiments myself to see how the advertising media effects me.One major decision I took was I did not buy a T.V
For the past three years I have been living a TV free life.I made my purchases looking at advertisements.Call me gullible..(But I had lot of faith on the smiling models shown in the advertisements).Once the hypnotic gaze of Television was out of my life,I slowly started developing my own style.Netflix is a better alternative.
The second thing I wanted to erase out of my life was the constant measuring up of my life to the society standards.If I want to spend my weekend watching a series on Mayan culture and not shop,it is perfectly O.K
I dont have to go to a exotic place whenever I get a vacation.It is perfectly fine to stay at home and do nothing.(Its zen at its best)
This is isolation from the evil clutches of mediocrity.
We may try very hard to become original based on our inner likes and dislikes.But the difficult part would be to deal with people who dont understand our ways.
There is a popular Buddhist story...
The monk asks the disciples...
"What would you do when thorns prick your legs at every step you take?"
The disciples replies
I would use leather to protect my feet.
The monk agrees and says...
We cannot cover the whole world with leather so that nothing pricks us.But it easier to cover our feet with leather so that we dont get hurt.
Isolation is not accepted by the society.The world economy depends on consumerism.But by knowing more about ourselves we can prepare a mental shield to filter all the junk.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Hidden Agenda
The words are just a facade to our own illusions
If only the sun brightly followed us into the depth of our minds and our hearts
What misery do we discover which can shake our faith
What treachery do we discover that can break our ties
These agendas like shadows follows us everywhere
This wretched truth that I search.. Is it for the pursuit of fame and glory?
This seeking that I have in my heart is it to become superior to my own neighbour
The rains have flooded my memories with despair
The lightning have caused more fear
I need to pull out these weeds from my garden
Now is not the right time?My mind screams...
The rains have destroyed everything I own
In hope I wait for the torch of truth ...at the break of dawn
When all the events shine in perfect glory...
With honesty and patience I am going to pull
Every thought that has corrupted my mind
In silence, I sit now in darkness
Counting the moments which will sway me into light
From moment to moment I sail on this empty boat
Waiting to get past this horror of examining my own soul
If only the sun brightly followed us into the depth of our minds and our hearts
What misery do we discover which can shake our faith
What treachery do we discover that can break our ties
These agendas like shadows follows us everywhere
This wretched truth that I search.. Is it for the pursuit of fame and glory?
This seeking that I have in my heart is it to become superior to my own neighbour
The rains have flooded my memories with despair
The lightning have caused more fear
I need to pull out these weeds from my garden
Now is not the right time?My mind screams...
The rains have destroyed everything I own
In hope I wait for the torch of truth ...at the break of dawn
When all the events shine in perfect glory...
With honesty and patience I am going to pull
Every thought that has corrupted my mind
In silence, I sit now in darkness
Counting the moments which will sway me into light
From moment to moment I sail on this empty boat
Waiting to get past this horror of examining my own soul
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Limitation
We all have physical limitations.We all have to grow old and suffer in the hands of nature.We all have to perish at the hands of time.The way we are proud of our own strengths,we should be aware of our limitations.
Few of them can be changed...
Some of them can never be changed.We need to realign our life so that we can live with that.
Limitation is the biggest ego buster.The moment we find out that we are limited in some way or the other our ego takes a hard knock.Some people start searching for ways to fill the void.We start developing other qualities which would make us unique.Limitation should never be seen as a curse.Once we are aware of our limitation we are humbled automatically.Accepting limitations allowed me to grow into a better human being.I started appreciating what I had, rather than crib endlessly of how life was unfair.Confessing our limitations to others builds trust in our relationships.When we confess our weakness to people we mistrust then it becomes Achilles heel.
Few of them can be changed...
Some of them can never be changed.We need to realign our life so that we can live with that.
Limitation is the biggest ego buster.The moment we find out that we are limited in some way or the other our ego takes a hard knock.Some people start searching for ways to fill the void.We start developing other qualities which would make us unique.Limitation should never be seen as a curse.Once we are aware of our limitation we are humbled automatically.Accepting limitations allowed me to grow into a better human being.I started appreciating what I had, rather than crib endlessly of how life was unfair.Confessing our limitations to others builds trust in our relationships.When we confess our weakness to people we mistrust then it becomes Achilles heel.
Ambition
Do we need to give up material comforts and a career to achieve any sort of spiritual meaning in our life.
It has been romanticized so much by ancient literature.If anyone knows that you are doing meditation,then they assume that you are going to end up in the forest.I had come across a group of meditators who were ridiculing people who do a Phd.Spiritual growth is tied to the fact that we find the ultimate meaning behind our illusions.For some people doing a Phd may be a spiritual path.They may have to face lot of struggles during which,they may evolve.For some people the path would be to live in isolation.We expect that spiritual life should be a certain way.We are imposing our own belief of spiritual life on ourselves and others.The same thing applies when we follow a particular spiritual path.We expect all the spiritual people we encounter to behave exactly the way we want them to behave.Our expectations can never change the way nature works.People are not going to accomdate our beliefs.
Each path is unique and we can choose any way to attain the truth.A spiritual path may not need that we compromise everything in our life.It also does not mean that we torture ourselves with pain and suffering.It only needs a open mind and heart which can accept the way things are,without super imposing our own beliefs on it.If a individual feels that sacrifice would help in their spiritual practice,then they should do that.Spiritual lives of others/enlightened people can never become a measuring stick for our life.We can get inspired,but we cannot imitate.
It has been romanticized so much by ancient literature.If anyone knows that you are doing meditation,then they assume that you are going to end up in the forest.I had come across a group of meditators who were ridiculing people who do a Phd.Spiritual growth is tied to the fact that we find the ultimate meaning behind our illusions.For some people doing a Phd may be a spiritual path.They may have to face lot of struggles during which,they may evolve.For some people the path would be to live in isolation.We expect that spiritual life should be a certain way.We are imposing our own belief of spiritual life on ourselves and others.The same thing applies when we follow a particular spiritual path.We expect all the spiritual people we encounter to behave exactly the way we want them to behave.Our expectations can never change the way nature works.People are not going to accomdate our beliefs.
Each path is unique and we can choose any way to attain the truth.A spiritual path may not need that we compromise everything in our life.It also does not mean that we torture ourselves with pain and suffering.It only needs a open mind and heart which can accept the way things are,without super imposing our own beliefs on it.If a individual feels that sacrifice would help in their spiritual practice,then they should do that.Spiritual lives of others/enlightened people can never become a measuring stick for our life.We can get inspired,but we cannot imitate.
Goals
The popular suggestion given by everyone is that “life is short”, so we need to hurry up.I guess that is the slogan of the instant gratification and super achievement cult which, most of the world belongs to. If we cannot do something in the next two minutes and with our action be able to achieve worldly success, then we are wasting our lives.
Most of the spiritual/personal development goals require us to invest lot of time.Our mind works on reflex.So the process we want to change are hard wired into our brain.Life is a long journey and all our goals require Patience,Persistence and Smiling :)
Most of the spiritual/personal development goals require us to invest lot of time.Our mind works on reflex.So the process we want to change are hard wired into our brain.Life is a long journey and all our goals require Patience,Persistence and Smiling :)
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Kindness
People think being kind is a quality closely linked to cowardice.I belive the opposite is true.Only a person with enormous amount of inner strength can be kind to everyone.
Kindness was one of the most important things that I wanted to cultivate.There are lot of stages which are involved.We start being kind to strangers,the people we work...But to be truly kind to people we love(family/friends)is difficult initially.
Sometimes we take people for granted or we are kind to them so that they return the favors later.
Kindness does not mean we giving up our principles.
Kindness does not mean giving up our core beliefs.
Kindness does not mean not showing any reaction.
Kindness is the capacaity to see a different perspective and to imagine a new dimension to a existing individual.Inspite of the differences and the occasional debates we experience due to our inherent uniqueness,I feel being kind gives us a oppurtunity to introspect.
There is this beautiful article about kindness which I read on Helpothers.org...
"IF I had 10 more years"
By Wayne
Paul was dying of cancer. It became clear to him that it was time for him to prepare for death.
About a week before Paul died, I was visiting him one morning. I found him sitting up, propped against a mound of pillows. I sat on the edge of his bed. His bedroom had a beautiful porch with French doors that were always open to the summer sun and gentle breezes. Paul sat, silent, in the rays of the morning light.
"I wish I had ten more years, free of this illness. With those ten years, I could really live as I always wanted."
What would you do if we could give you those ten years? What would your life look like?" I finally asked.
Paul spoke easily and certainly. "I would be kind."
"I would live my life with kindness," he said. "I would be kind to children. I would teach them to be kind, too. This is all I ever really wanted to do, just to be kind, to be loving." He was quiet for a moment. "A few months ago, when I was feeling quite strong, I thought I would treat myself, so I walked into a bakery and ordered two of my favorite cookies. I told the girl behind the counter that they were my favorite, and she said she loved them, too, but that they were very expensive. When I left, I thought about it for a minute, went back and bought another cookie, and gave it to her. 'This one is for you,' I said. She was so surprised by my kindness. 'You are such a kind man,' she said. I felt absolutely wonderful. Such a small thing, such an easy thing to do. This is how I would live my life, if only I had more time."
In the face of his death, Paul saw his life. His death clarified his heart's desire: to be a kind person. Everything else fell away, and he simply saw what was precious and valuable. To be kind -- this was the most sacred thing, the most perfect and accurate offering he could make.
Kindness was one of the most important things that I wanted to cultivate.There are lot of stages which are involved.We start being kind to strangers,the people we work...But to be truly kind to people we love(family/friends)is difficult initially.
Sometimes we take people for granted or we are kind to them so that they return the favors later.
Kindness does not mean we giving up our principles.
Kindness does not mean giving up our core beliefs.
Kindness does not mean not showing any reaction.
Kindness is the capacaity to see a different perspective and to imagine a new dimension to a existing individual.Inspite of the differences and the occasional debates we experience due to our inherent uniqueness,I feel being kind gives us a oppurtunity to introspect.
There is this beautiful article about kindness which I read on Helpothers.org...
"IF I had 10 more years"
By Wayne
Paul was dying of cancer. It became clear to him that it was time for him to prepare for death.
About a week before Paul died, I was visiting him one morning. I found him sitting up, propped against a mound of pillows. I sat on the edge of his bed. His bedroom had a beautiful porch with French doors that were always open to the summer sun and gentle breezes. Paul sat, silent, in the rays of the morning light.
"I wish I had ten more years, free of this illness. With those ten years, I could really live as I always wanted."
What would you do if we could give you those ten years? What would your life look like?" I finally asked.
Paul spoke easily and certainly. "I would be kind."
"I would live my life with kindness," he said. "I would be kind to children. I would teach them to be kind, too. This is all I ever really wanted to do, just to be kind, to be loving." He was quiet for a moment. "A few months ago, when I was feeling quite strong, I thought I would treat myself, so I walked into a bakery and ordered two of my favorite cookies. I told the girl behind the counter that they were my favorite, and she said she loved them, too, but that they were very expensive. When I left, I thought about it for a minute, went back and bought another cookie, and gave it to her. 'This one is for you,' I said. She was so surprised by my kindness. 'You are such a kind man,' she said. I felt absolutely wonderful. Such a small thing, such an easy thing to do. This is how I would live my life, if only I had more time."
In the face of his death, Paul saw his life. His death clarified his heart's desire: to be a kind person. Everything else fell away, and he simply saw what was precious and valuable. To be kind -- this was the most sacred thing, the most perfect and accurate offering he could make.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Cutting Through Spiritual Materilaism
Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism (Book)
By Chogam Trunga (Author)
The image on the page is not of tranquil Buddha,who showers compassion on us.A angry man in robes lifts his hand, as if he wants us to stop our deception and spiritual pride that we have cultivated.
This book is not targeted for people who are starting the spiritual journey.The audience for this book are the people who are basking in the self induced achievement of spiritual goals.
The book has lot of useful pointers on various topics.
The chapters in the book which I found interesting are:
Surrendering
The Guru
Initiation
Self Deception
The Hard Way
The Open Way
Sense of Humor
The Development of Ego
There are few other chapters which deal with theoretical Buddhism.They cover the common topics of truth,emptiness(Shunyata)and Compassion.
By Chogam Trunga (Author)
The image on the page is not of tranquil Buddha,who showers compassion on us.A angry man in robes lifts his hand, as if he wants us to stop our deception and spiritual pride that we have cultivated.
This book is not targeted for people who are starting the spiritual journey.The audience for this book are the people who are basking in the self induced achievement of spiritual goals.
The book has lot of useful pointers on various topics.
The chapters in the book which I found interesting are:
Surrendering
The Guru
Initiation
Self Deception
The Hard Way
The Open Way
Sense of Humor
The Development of Ego
There are few other chapters which deal with theoretical Buddhism.They cover the common topics of truth,emptiness(Shunyata)and Compassion.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Responsibility
Responsibility has its own rewards.Not all works are glamorous or profitable.Some actions make us look ordinary.Actions which have to be repeated again and again ,which are boring,the rewards not visible for instant gratification.But whenever we perform a task which is part of our duty as a human/a wordly
being or a outcome of our own life purpose,there is deep joy even when
we don’t see the rewards.It just feels right to do it.May be others
may not appreciate or applaud us.No one may even notice.But doing the
action, is the greatest reward.
being or a outcome of our own life purpose,there is deep joy even when
we don’t see the rewards.It just feels right to do it.May be others
may not appreciate or applaud us.No one may even notice.But doing the
action, is the greatest reward.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
What we see
Similarity and differences lies in the eye of the seeker.Depending on what our mind expects, we look for specific things in others.We choose what we want to see...We try to look at how the other person is different,when we are scared of others.When there is similarity,we are filled with love.It is still a paradox,as how we blame others for what we see in them.When the bowl is impure ..even if holy water is poured in it..it turns muddy.What ever we miss in our life we search for it in others.May be trying to be self sufficient will reduce our own judgemental projection of biases.
Mirroring is one of the ways through which we fulfill our deepest desires.Psychologists say that through mirroring we can cover our deepest scars which life has given us.But to find people who mirror what we want and not take advantage of our vulnerability is very difficult.Mind is also looked upon as a mirror.
Can we be our own mirrors and give necessary affection and care for own well being?
I guess the highest love is self-love.To accept ourselves and not get scared of who we are.
Mirroring is one of the ways through which we fulfill our deepest desires.Psychologists say that through mirroring we can cover our deepest scars which life has given us.But to find people who mirror what we want and not take advantage of our vulnerability is very difficult.Mind is also looked upon as a mirror.
Can we be our own mirrors and give necessary affection and care for own well being?
I guess the highest love is self-love.To accept ourselves and not get scared of who we are.
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