Prayer to the mind

Fix yourself on the Immortal, O Mind,
Meditate on the Stainless One
Ceasing thus to wander in the gardens of the world,
Immerse yourself in the Beautiful One.

Many a lifetime have you wandered,
Many a chance have you squandered,
Given yet another chance to do right,
Drink the Bliss of Ecstasy tonight.

Drown yourself in the Universal Spirit,
Lose yourself in nectarean thoughts.
Hooking yourself onto the Soul
Soar to heights unknown to you.

What has travel gained you?
What gain is there in the Unreal?
Fix yourself, O Mind, on the One Real,
And go to depths unknown to you.

Immortal: ae mere watan ke logon

The immortal song Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon. You want to cry at your problems? Cry at this song. These tears will purify your soul!

Rise O brother! Remember the sacrifice of your beloved brother! Arise!

Border: sandese aate hain

What a beautiful song!  :) You are my heroes, O brave soldiers.

Youtube video lectures (Buddhism)

Lectures by Ajahn Brahm from the Buddhist society of Western Australia. http://www.youtube.com/user/BuddhistSocietyWA

Fire

The propitious time has arrived! The sacrificial fire has been lit! The merry and mysterious dance of the yellow flames is uttering an esoteric mantra exhorting the spectators to pour in offerings! O lost traveler, let the roaring flames of this all-enveloping fire guide you!

The insults heaped on our Mother will be avenged! Fear not! This is indeed the time ordained for this by the gods themselves! The death-knell has been sounded! Arise, O sleeping warrior, lest thou bear the taint of failing to perform thy duty!

What do you see?! A political class engrossed in serving their own selfish motives. A political class disconnected from the masses. A political class breeding on the vermin of corruption, ignorance and ego. A political class which has enslaved the Mother Earth. A political class inimical to the rightful aspirations of its fellow brothers and sisters. A political class, which having bitten the forbidden fruit of ill-acquired power, intent on perpetuating its authority. O wounded soldier, fear not! Let the insults flow! Let the transgressions continue! The sincere have awakened! The atmosphere is charged with the talk of an upheaval! Every offensive action on the part of the political class is providing life to the flames of the sacrificial fire! The ghee is flowing unabated into the sacrificial pit courtesy those actions!

O Rip Van Winkle, arise! The time for revolution has come! O Rama, garner an axe! The time to become Parashurama has arrived! Unite, O brother, with thy neighbour! O Hindu! O Muslim! Forget thy external differences, and unite! The nation is calling!

O ignorant one! What are you to achieve by dividing our nation?! Be aware that unfettered regional aspirations is pernicious to a united national life! O keeper of the glory of the illustrious Marathas, what are you to gain by hostility towards your neighbors from the ancient seat of the Magadha empire? O resident of Pataliputra, become aware that this was once the land where the greatest teacher of political science taught. Become aware that this was the capital of the Maurya empire of his disciple, Chandragupta of hallowed memory. Then, become aware of its present state!

O descendant of that lion among men, Guru Govind Singh, become aware of your glorious history, written with the sacred blood of his followers! O sister, fortunate art thou to have taken birth in the land that nurtured a Sankara, a Ramanuja, a Madhva and a Chaitanya; a Shivaji, a Askoka, a Rana Pratap and a Lakshmibai; a Buddha, a Mahavira and a Nanak; a Kalidasa, a Bhavabhuti and a Bhasa; a Desika and a Krishnananda; a Mira and a Tulsidas! What have you to fear?! If not your life, at least spare a thought for your Motherland! Become aware of its pitiable state!

O protector of Rashtra dharma, take the sword out of its sheath! The sword for this war is the pen! Draw it out without delay!

O deluded one, where hast thou to hide? The time has come to deliver the verdict! Put the needs of the society above your selfish aspirations, and the aggrieved masses might yet contrive to forgive you.

The fire is roaring! The ominous dance of its flames is portentous. Understand the secret message it speaks. History will not forgive those who remain indifferent to the current state of affairs. The country needs you in its hour of distress. Arise!

Hum Karein Rashtra Aaradhana

For anyone who is not actively involved in rebuilding our beloved motherland, if this song does not bring tears to your eyes, and does not inspire you in the core of your heart, I don’t have any words to say to such a person.
(The translation is given in a previous post.)

हम करें राष्ट्र आराधना

“राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ” का यह अन्मोल गीत प्रत्येक भारतीय के लिए ज्ञातव्य हॅ ।

हम करें राष्ट्र आराधना
तन से मन से धन से
तन मन धन जीवन से
हम करें राष्ट्र आराधना ।  ……………………१

अन्तर से मुख से कृित से
निश्र्चल हो निर्मल मति से
श्रद्धा से मस्तक नत से
हम करें राष्ट्र अभिवादन।…………………….२

Why are we sleeping??

It is a matter of indubitable shame and sorrow that the inheritors of an ineffable culture have taken to a self-destructing path of mental, social and physical slavery. Devoted to the satisfaction of selfish motives, a nation, that has produced heroes of supreme valour since time immemorial, has witnessed a cataclysmic fall from grace.

A people who could stand up and rise to the stature of world-teacher, have become a helpless and imbecile collection of individuals utterly incapable of discerning the fundamental distinction between truth and untruth, friend and foe, honour and dishonour, threat and security. A nation that illumined the paths of societies and individuals in want of guidance, is seemingly bereft of a sense of direction with respect to following a path that would be commensurate with its inherent national character.

Call to Motherhood

(This is from Sri M. S. Golwalkar’s book, Bunch of Thoughts. Here he talks about the manner in which the womenfolk in our society can elevate the collective social consciousness, and work for the general uplift of the society.)

Epics in Heroic Motherhood

As we are well aware, our nation is beset with ever so many perils. Attempts to undermine the integrity of our motherland and our society are on. Challenges to the time-honoured values of our spiritual heritage are mounting. Conflicts and confrontations are thick in the air. Under such conditions, what is the type of training that we have to impart to our children? Shall we teach them to seek safety in their homes and not to stir out? Should we harp upon things pertaining to their own happiness and future and ask them out not to “dabble in other things”? What shall we teach?

Arousing the warrior spirit

(This is from Sri M. S. Golwalkar’s book, Bunch of Thoughts. Here he talks about arousing our dormant warrior spirit for the protection of the sanctity of our motherland.)

Steel People’s Will

The first requisite is to steel our will for a nation-wide, determined and organised effort. The struggle is likely to be long and bitter. All of us will be called upon to undergo suffering and sacrifices. Let all of us face these difficulties steadfastly and with good cheer. There is no doubt that the adoration for our motherland which had been lying dormant in our hearts so long will now bring forth and dispel all dark shadows of selfishness and mutual jealousies. It is indeed encouraging to see so many people coming forward to contribute to the National Defence Fund. I hope more and more of them will give still more. Let all persons physically fit be ready for military service. And let their mothers bless and send forth their sons at this hour of trial. When the five Pandavas went to seek the blessings of their mother Kunti before the commencement of the Mahabharata war, she blessed them saying, “Go ye all to the battle. This is the occasion for which Kshatriya women give birth to sons. Go and give your best in this dharmayuddha.” Let every mother speak in the same heroic strain to her sons even now.

Modern wars, be it remembered, are total wars. They are not merely pitched battles between armies. Every one, right from the scientist and industrialist to the labourer and farmer, will have to work harder and longer in a spirit of national dedications, shelving aside all other considerations of personal and group interests, disputes and claims for the time being.

The Living Ideal

It is a matter of common experience that character and morality are wanting even in the very high strata of our national life. Those in the higher strata of life are intelligent and educated. They know what is morality and what is immorality. They can even deliver excellent sermons on the subject. Then, what are we going to achieve merely by advising such persons?

In fact, there is only one way by which selfishness can be restrained. Give the man an ideal to work for, to live for and die for. Then that person, in his devotion to that ideal, will be able to control the pulls of his self-interest and build up a better character. There is no other way. Give the people an ideal, high and holy, an ideal, which naturally resonates in their hearts, throbs in their blood and which has been with them for generations. Then even the ordinary man in the street will be able to feel the rise of devotion and character in him. Such an inspiring ideal is the realisation of the glory and greatness of our scared Hindu Rashtra.

“I am a child of this great Hindu nation. For generations, my great forefathers have striven to make this the greatest and noblest nation – an ideal nation of ideal men – on the face of the earth. I, too, will live and strive for the same goal.” – This is the natural impulse that we have inherited. We feel it in our blood. If this natural sublime urge is roused then our people will be able to rise above their selfish pulls and manifest chaste national character in their day-to-day life.

The Vision that Inspires

Even in the present times of national crisis we cannot afford to ignore this content of idealism. Let us not forgot that it was on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, when war-drums were beating, trumpets were blowing and Arjuna was standing in the centre of the two armies, that Sri Krishna taught him the eternal and inspiring message of selfless action in the cause of dharma and spurred him to matchless valour and victory. It is only when a hero is inspired with the vision of an ideal that he will be able to put forth the best in him. He should be clear in his mind about the life values for which he is to fight and die, if need be. Talk of economic plans and industrial glory cannot stir the people to suffer and sacrifice. Dry and disparaging descriptions of our motherland as ‘snow-bound’, ‘unfit for human habitation’, ‘not a blade of grass growing there’, etc., will only kill the spirit of the people who will then see no difference even if such a piece of land is occupied by the enemy. So it is absolutely essential that the eternal and inspiring call of devotion to our holy motherland and our national ideals is engraved in the heart of every son of this soil.

All our valiant freedom fighters in the past and in modern times were inspired with the living vision of Hindu Rashtra. That was the only effective rallying cry to rouse our masses to action from one corner of the country to the other. And whenever that vision was blurred or lost sight of, the people too relapsed into inactivity and servility.

It is only when the people are inspired with this age-old national vision that it is possible to make them rise to heights of selflessness, sacrifice and heroism and to forge them into a single living national entity from one end of the land to the other and build up an unassailable national strength.

Purpose in life – 2

[Here is the first post in the topic.]

Lead a life which is of service to others. Living only for the sake of one’s own self is extreme selfishness.

There are many in need of help, encouragement, protection, comforting words. Be a beacon of light in the lives of those looking for such inspiration.

A drowning man cannot save a friend from drowning. So, elevate yourself through sacrifice and practice to a position from where you can be of better service to others.

Acquire knowledge which elevates. Through continuous acquisition of proper knowledge one can soon reach a stage from where one’s presence itself is a benediction to others. Knowledge that enables us to elevate our lives is proper knowledge.

(It is mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam: A saintly sage is happy and pleasing in his external behavior, whereas internally he is most grave and thoughtful. Because his knowledge is immeasurable and unlimited he is never disturbed, and thus in all respects he is like the tranquil waters of the unfathomable and unsurpassable ocean.)

So, acquire knowledge. The urgency and the importance of acquisition of proper knowledge cannot be overstated.

Strive to acquire the qualities of saintly persons as mentioned in the scriptures. Acquire knowledge of the Self and God.

Utilize opportunities where you can uplift the lives of others. Your life will be blessed.

Qualities of saintly persons – 8

om sri gurave namah

Arjuna asks Lord Krishna to explain to him the characteristics of one who is situated in transcendental consciousness. In response, Krishna mentions different such characteristics.

[These verses are in Chapter 2 of Srimad Bhagavad Gita.]

[54] Arjuna said: O Krishna, what are the signs of one absorbed in transcendental consciousness? How does one steadfast in spiritual consciousness talk? How does he sit? And how does he walk?

[55] Lord Krishna said: O Arjuna, when one gives up all varieties of desire for sense gratification, which arise from mental concoction, and when one’s mind, thus purified, finds satisfaction in the self alone, such a person is said to be in pure transcendental consciousness.

[56] One who remains undisturbed in distress, is unattached/passive when joyous events occurs, is free from attachment, fear and anger, is said to be a sage of steady mind.

[57] One who is without any attachment, and neither rejoices or curses on obtaining good or evil, is said to be firmly situated in perfect knowledge.

[58] One who completely withdraws his senses from the sense objects, just like a tortoise withdraws its limbs into its shell, is said to be in perfect knowledge.

Here are the verses in Samskritam:

Here is the transliteration:

[54]arjuna uvāca
sthita-prajñasya kā bhāshā
samādhi-sthasya keśava
sthita-dhīh kiḿ prabhāsheta
kim āsīta vrajeta kim

[55]śrī-bhagavān uvāca
prajahāti yadā kāmān
sarvān pārtha mano-gatān
ātmany evātmanā tushtah
sthita-prajñas tadocyate

[56]duhkheshv anudvigna-manāh
sukheshu vigata-sprhah
vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhah
sthita-dhīr munir ucyate

[57]yah sarvatrānabhisnehas
tat tat prāpya śubhāśubham
nābhinandati na dveshti
tasya prajñā pratishthitā

[58]yadā saḿharate cāyaḿ
kūrmo ‘ńgānīva sarvaśah
indriyānīndriyārthebhyas
tasya prajñā pratishthitā

[I took material for the above from here, here, and elsewhere on the Internet.]

Qualities of saintly persons – 7

Here are six more of the 26 qualities of the divine nature that Lord Krishna mentions to Arjuna in Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

[These 26 qualities are mentioned in the first 3 verses of Chapter 16.]

21. Radiance/lustre (this is an illustrious proof of the efficacy of spiritual practice); Vigor/strength to aid those in need to protection and help.

22. Forgiveness (Do not harbor feelings of vengeance against those by whom you are wronged. Do not get angry at those who offend you.)

23. Fortitude (Defending/upholding righteousness and steadying the mind, even when you are under great duress.)

24. Cleanliness/Purity (Both internal and external cleanliness to be spiritually worthy. Purity not only in the mind and body, but also in one’s dealings.)

25. Absence of envy (Become free from all feelings of envy towards others.)

26. Lack of desire for honor or prestige/ Absence of false ego.

These are the 26 divine qualities that Lord Krishna mentions. Let us strive to inculcate these in our lives.

Here are the 3 verses in Samskritam [Chapter 16, verses 1,2,3]:

Here is the transliteration:

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
abhayaḿ sattva-saḿśuddhir
jñāna-yoga-vyavasthitih
dānaḿ damaś ca yajñaś ca
svādhyāyas tapa ārjavam
ahiḿsā satyam akrodhas
tyāgah śāntir apaiśunam
dayā bhūteshv aloluptvaḿ
mārdavaḿ hrīr acāpalam
tejah kshamā dhrtih śaucam
adroho nāti-mānitā
bhavanti sampadaḿ daivīm
abhijātasya bhārata

[This was taken from here, and other sites.]

Qualities of saintly persons – 6

om sri gurave namah

Here are five more divine qualities that Lord Krishna mentions to Arjuna in Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Let us strive to inculcate these qualities in our lives.

[The Supreme Person, Krishna mentions 26 qualities in all in the first 3 verses of Chapter 16.]

16. Mercy/Compassion towards all living entities: (We should feel compassion towards all beings, especially if they are in distress. Strive to alleviate their misery.)

17. Absence of greed/ Non-covetousness: Do not have greed for sense gratification; be satisfied with what is allotted to you in life.

18. Gentleness/Humility: Such behavior is appropriate for saintly association. Strive to be free from cruelty and harshness.

19. Modesty: Shyness in decorum, and hesitancy even in the thought of wrong-doing.

20. Determination/ Absence of fickleness: This is needed to keep trying even in the face of perceived failure; Determination to remain firm against temptations presented to one; Avoidance of frivolous activities.

Here is the verse from Srimad Bhagavad Gita [Chapter 16, verse 2].

Here is the transliteration:

ahiḿsā satyam akrodhas
tyāgah śāntir apaiśunam
dayā bhūteshv aloluptvaḿ
mārdavaḿ hrīr acāpalam

[Material for the above was taken from here, and other sites. All mistakes in the above presentation are mine.]

Qualities of saintly persons – 5

Five more of the 26 qualities that Lord Krishna tells Arjuna about saintly persons in Srimad Bhagavad Gita [Chap 16, verses 1-3]

11. Truthfulness

12. Freedom from anger

13. Renunciation (renounce anything that is opposed to realization of the self)

14. Peacefulness/Calmness (do not let the mind get agitated).

15. Aversion to fault-finding (fault-finding in others is a quality that many of us are afflicted with)

 

Here is the corresponding verse in Samskritam [Chapter 16, verse 2].

 

Transliteration

ahiḿsā satyam akrodhas
tyāgah śāntir apaiśunam
dayā bhūteshv aloluptvaḿ
mārdavaḿ hrīr acāpalam

 

[The material for the above was taken from here, and other sites.]

Qualities of saintly persons – 4

Here are five more saintly qualities mentioned by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

(Twenty six such qualities are mentioned in the first 3 verses of Chapter 16.)

6. Performance of sacrifice

7. Study of Vedic scriptures

8. Austerity

9. Simplicity

10. Non violence

 

Here are the first two verses in Samskritam:

 

Transliteration:

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
abhayaḿ sattva-saḿśuddhir
jñāna-yoga-vyavasthitih
dānaḿ damaś ca yajñaś ca
svādhyāyas tapa ārjavam
ahiḿsā satyam akrodhas
tyāgah śāntir apaiśunam
dayā bhūteshv aloluptvaḿ
mārdavaḿ hrīr acāpalam

 

(The above was taken from sites on the Internet.)

Qualities of saintly persons – 3

om ajnAna-timirAndhasya
jnAnAnjana-shalAkaya
cakshur unmIlitam yena
tasmai srI-gurave namah

“I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my guru, my spiritual master, opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.”

Lord Krishna mentions to Arjuna, twenty six qualities, which we should aspire to inculcate in our nature. (The earlier two posts on the same topic, dealt with verses from Srimad Bhagavatam, while this is from Srimad Bhagavad Gita.)

These are mentioned in the first three verses of Chapter 16 of Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

Here are the first five of these qualities:

1. Fearlessness - The first quality mentioned is fearlessness (abhayam).

2. Pure-heartedness or purification of one’s existence.

3. Cultivation of spiritual knowledge

4. Charity (given to worthy recipients from what one legitimately owns)

5. Self-restraint (controlling the mind from being influenced by sense objects)

Here is the first verse in Samsritam:

Transliteration:

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
abhayaḿ sattva-saḿśuddhir
jñāna-yoga-vyavasthitih
dānaḿ damaś ca yajñaś ca
svādhyāyas tapa ārjavam

(The above material was collected from sites on the Internet.)

Krishna’s Mystic Opulence – 2

Lord Krishna tells Arjuna about His mystic opulence in the soul-stirring discourse contained in Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

(This is from Srila Prabhupada’s writings, which is available here.) [These 3 verses are from Chapter 9.]

 

[17] I am the father of this universe, the mother, the support and the grandsire. I am the object of knowledge, the purifier and the syllable oḿ. I am also the Ṛg, the Sāma and the Yajur Vedas.

[18] I am the goal, the sustainer, the master, the witness, the abode, the refuge, and the most dear friend. I am the creation and the annihilation, the basis of everything, the resting place and the eternal seed.

[19] O Arjuna, I give heat, and I withhold and send forth the rain. I am immortality, and I am also death personified. Both spirit and matter are in Me.

 

Samskritam

 

Sanskrit

[17]pitāham asya jagato
mātā dhātā pitāmahah
vedyaḿ pavitram oḿkāra
rk sāma yajur eva ca

[18]gatir bhartā prabhuh sākshī
nivāsah śaranaḿ suhrt
prabhavah pralayah sthānaḿ
nidhānaḿ bījam avyayam

[19]tapāmy aham ahaḿ varshaḿ
nigrhnāmy utsrjāmi ca
amrtaḿ caiva mrtyuś ca
sad asac cāham arjuna

 

Krishna’s Mystic Opulence

Lord Krishna in His immortal discourse to Arjuna describes His mystic opulence.

These five verses are from Chapter 9 of Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

(This is taken from Srila Prabhupada’s writings, available here.)

 

[6] Understand that as the mighty wind, blowing everywhere, rests always in the sky, all created beings rest in Me.

[7] O son of Kuntī, at the end of the millennium all material manifestations enter into My nature, and at the beginning of another millennium, by My potency, I create them again.

[8] The whole cosmic order is under Me. Under My will it is automatically manifested again and again, and under My will it is annihilated at the end.

[9] O Dhanañjaya, all this work cannot bind Me. I am ever detached from all these material activities, seated as though neutral.

[10] This material nature, which is one of My energies, is working under My direction, O son of Kuntī, producing all moving and nonmoving beings. Under its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.

 

Samskritam:-

 

Sanskrit:

[6] yathākāśa-sthito nityaḿ
vāyuh sarvatra-go mahān
tathā sarvāni bhūtāni
mat-sthānīty upadhāraya

[7] sarva-bhūtāni kaunteya
prakrtiḿ yānti māmikām
kalpa-ksaye punas tāni
kalpādau visrjāmy aham

[8]prakrtiḿ svām avastabhya
visrjāmi punah punah
bhūta-grāmam imaḿ krtsnam
avaśaḿ prakrter vaśāt

[9]na ca māḿ tāni karmāni
nibadhnanti dhanañjaya
udāsīna-vad āsīnam
asaktaḿ tesu karmasu

[10]mayādhyaksena prakrtih
sūyate sa-carācaram
hetunānena kaunteya
jagad viparivartate

Qualities of a saintly person – 2

In Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna relates to His cousin Uddhava, a conversation between King Yadu and a brahmana avadhuta (one who is liberated). Here the brahmana explains to Maharaja Yadu what all he learnt from his 24 gurus.

(Please see this earlier post on the same conversation.) This is taken from here, here, and here.

The various phases of one’s material life, beginning with birth and culminating in death, are all properties of the body and do not affect the soul, just as the apparent waxing and waning of the moon does not affect the moon itself. Such changes are enforced by the imperceptible movements of time.

The flames of a fire appear and disappear at every moment, and yet this creation and destruction is not noticed by the ordinary observer. Similarly, the mighty waves of time flow constantly, like the powerful currents of a river, and imperceptibly cause the birth, growth and death of innumerable material bodies. And yet the soul, who is thus constantly forced to change his position, cannot perceive the actions of time.

Just as the sun evaporates large quantities of water by its potent rays and later returns the water to the earth in the form of rain, similarly, a saintly person accepts all types of material objects with his material senses, and at the appropriate time, when the proper person has approached him to request them, he returns such material objects. Thus, both in accepting and giving up the objects of the senses, he is not entangled.

A saintly sage is happy and pleasing in his external behavior, whereas internally he is most grave and thoughtful. Because his knowledge is immeasurable and unlimited he is never disturbed, and thus in all respects he is like the tranquil waters of the unfathomable and unsurpassable ocean.

During the rainy season the swollen rivers rush into the ocean, and during the dry summer the rivers, now shallow, severely reduce their supply of water; yet the ocean does not swell up during the rainy season, nor does it dry up in the hot summer. In the same way, a saintly devotee who has accepted the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the goal of his life sometimes will receive by providence great material opulence, and sometimes he will find himself materially destitute. However, such a devotee of the Lord does not rejoice in a flourishing condition, nor is he morose when poverty-stricken.

After many, many births and deaths one achieves the rare human form of life, which, although temporary, affords one the opportunity to attain the highest perfection. Thus a sober human being should quickly endeavor for the ultimate perfection of life as long as his body, which is always subject to death, has not fallen down and died. After all, sense gratification is available even in the most abominable species of life, whereas Krsna consciousness is possible only for a human being.

Qualities of a saintly person

In Srimad Bhagavatam, there is a very interesting conversation between a brahmana avadhuta and King Yadu. The avadhuta (one who is liberated) explains to Maharaja Yadu what he learnt from his 24 gurus, which include the earth, wind, sky, water, and fire, among others.

This has been taken from here.

Maharaja Yadu once observed a certain brahmana avadhuta, who appeared to be quite young and learned, wandering about fearlessly. Being himself most learned in spiritual science, the King took the opportunity and inquired from him as follows. Sri Yadu said: O brahmana, I see that you are not engaged in any practical religious activity, and yet you have acquired a most expert understanding of all things and all people within this world. Kindly tell me, sir, how did you acquire this extraordinary intelligence, and why are you traveling freely throughout the world behaving as if you were a child?

Generally human beings work hard to cultivate religiosity, economic development, sense gratification and also knowledge of the soul, and their usual motive is to increase the duration of their lives, acquire fame and enjoy material opulence. You, however, although capable, learned, expert, handsome and most eloquent, are not engaged in doing anything, nor do you desire anything; rather, you appear stupefied and maddened as if you were a ghostly creature.

O brahmana, we see that you are devoid of any contact with material enjoyment and that you are traveling alone, without any companions or family members. Therefore, because we are sincerely inquiring from you, please tell us the cause of the great ecstasy that you are feeling within yourself.

The brahmana said: My dear King, with my intelligence I have taken shelter of many spiritual masters. Having gained transcendental understanding from them, I now wander about the earth in a liberated condition. Please listen as I describe them to you.

(The brahmana then lists the 24 gurus from whom he has learned, and then proceeds to describe what he learnt from each of them. Some of them are given below.)

A sober person, even when harassed by other living beings, should understand that his aggressors are acting helplessly under the control of God, and thus he should never be distracted from progress on his own path. This rule I have learned from the earth.

A saintly person should learn from the mountain to devote all his efforts to the service of others and to make the welfare of others the sole reason for his existence. Similarly, as the disciple of the tree, he should learn to dedicate himself to others.

Even a transcendentalist is surrounded by innumerable material objects, which possess good and bad qualities. However, one who has transcended material good and evil should not become entangled even when in contact with the material objects; rather, he should act like the wind.

Although a self-realized soul may live in various material bodies while in this world, experiencing their various qualities and functions, he is never entangled, just as the wind which carries various aromas does not actually mix with them.

Saintly persons become powerful by execution of austerities. Their consciousness is unshakable because they do not try to enjoy anything within the material world. Such naturally liberated sages accept foodstuffs that are offered to them by destiny, and if by chance they happen to eat contaminated food, they are not affected, just like fire, which burns up contaminated substances that are offered to it.

A saintly person, just like fire, sometimes appears in a concealed form and at other times reveals himself. For the welfare of the conditioned souls who desire real happiness, a saintly person may accept the worshipable position of spiritual master, and thus like fire he burns to ashes all the past and future sinful reactions of his worshipers by mercifully accepting their offerings.

O King, a saintly person is just like water because he is free from all contamination, gentle by nature, and by speaking creates a beautiful vibration like that of flowing water. Just by seeing, touching or hearing such a saintly person, the living entity is purified, just as one is cleansed by contact with pure water. Thus a saintly person, just like a holy place, purifies all those who contact him because he always chants the glories of the Lord.

Happiness

The happiness you obtain by seeing the happiness of others is truly liberating. When you see everyone in you, and yourself in everyone, you are on a plane of glorious happiness. Make every effort to strive for the happiness of others. Lend a comforting shoulder to those in need of one, lend an encouraging hand to others, motivate those in need of motivation, become a source of inspiration to others. When you identify yourself with the joys and sorrows of those around you, it is a great feeling. Enjoy this beautiful journey of life.

Purpose in Life

Every life has to have a purpose. One beautiful feature of leading a purposeful life is the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that will fill your life. You will discover yourself to be stronger, more capable, and a much better person than you ever imagined yourself to be.

One simple method of obtaining happiness is to be actively involved in giving happiness to others. The more happiness you bring to others, the greater the sense of fulfillment you bring to your own life.

(Sri Ramanuja was given a sacred secret mantra by his Guru after a lot of effort on the part of Ramanuja. This mantra was the mantra that could lead a person to moksha or liberation. Ramanuja was told by his Guru not to disclose the mantra to anybody, and warned that any such action on his part would certainly land him in hell. Ramanuja immediately went to the temple top, and called out loud to all people that he had obtained a priceless jewel which he wanted to give to them. He then recited the mantra for all  those assembled there. This action on Ramanuja’s part greatly enraged his Guru. On seeing his Guru’s outrage at his transgression despite the warning, Ramanuja calmly replied: “By knowing this mantra, so many people are now liberated. If an insignificant mortal such as myself has to go to hell in return for the liberation of so many people, then I am ready to joyfully accept that.” On hearing this, his Guru was filled with reverence for the infinite compassion that Ramanuja had for everyone, and understood that Ramanuja was a much greater person than himself.)

(Sri Ramanuja (1017 – 1137 A.D.) is the most important saint-philosopher in Sri Vaishnavism.)

Once you start solving problems for others, the seemingly difficult problems in your own life begin to seem trivial and inconsequential.

Always be willing to help one who is in need of help. You will never be without help when you need it.

Give selflessly, and with purity. Your heart will be purified through such actions. You will receive miraculous gifts when you least expect them.

There are many who can be benefitted by your help. The blessings that will accrue through such an action on your part will indeed prove to be a great antidote to all negativity, and will be a harbinger of peace. The persons who are today helped by you, would tomorrow become healers themselves and serve a great many people.

There are many qualities that will be gained through such endeavor: one is a sense of perspective (you will see your problems in perspective, and realize their insignificance), another is fearlessness (by helping others, you will overcome your own limiting fears.)

Fearlessness is a quality of prime importance. You are the Children of Immortal Bliss. Stand tall in the face of all fears, and they will disappear.

There is no problem that you face that does not have a solution. There has never been such a problem, and there never will be.

Wake up each day with a sense of bringing great happiness to the world. Act like the sunshine that brightens people’s faces and gladdens their hearts.

May the mercy of God act through these words to enable them to transform your lives.

Quotes on India – 2

Access to the Vedas is the greatest privilege this century may claim over all previous centuries. – J. Robert Oppenheimer

The Indian way of life provides the vision of the natural, real way of life. We veil ourselves with unnatural masks. On the face of India are the tender expressions which carry the mark of the Creators hand. – George Bernanrd Shaw

While Greece is the country of my birth, India is the country of my soul. – Queen Fredricka

For me the most important thing is to spread the Hindu knowledge about the soul. This is more important than any other knowledge and is my main priority. – Alfred Ford

The Hindu mind represents humanity’s oldest and most continuous stream of conscious intelligence on the planet. Hindu sages, seers, saints, yogis and jnanis have maintained an unbroken current of awareness linking humanity with the Divine since the dawn of history, and as carried over from earlier cycles of civilization in previous humanities unknown to our present spiritually limited culture. – David Frawley

After gradual research; I have come to the conclusion that long before all heavenly books, God had revealed to the Hindus, through the Rishis of yore, of whom Brahma was the Chief, His four books of knowledge, the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda and the Atharva Veda.The Quran itself made veiled references to the Upanishads as the first heavenly book and the fountainhead of the ocean of monotheism. – Muhammad Dara Shikoh

India is the only country which has known God and if anyone wants to know God he must know India. – Vecente Avelino

In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial.  - Henry David Thoreau

In India I found a race of mortals living upon the Earth. but not adhering to it. Inhabiting cities, but not being fixed to them, possessing everything but possessed by nothing. – Apollonius Tyanaeus

The Indians possessed a knowledge of the true God, conceived and expressed in noble, clear and grand language…Even the loftiest philosophy of the Europeans, the idealization of reason, as set forth by the Greeks, appears in comparison with the abundant light and vigor of oriental idealism, like a feeble spark in the full flood of the noonday sun. – Frederich von Scheigel

There is no language in the world, even Greek, which has the clarity and the philosophical precision of Sanskrit. – Frederich von Scheigel

Among all the great religions of the world there is none more catholic, more assimilative, than the mass of beliefs which go to make up what is popularly known as Hinduism. – W. Crooke

Sanskrit literature is a great literature. We have the great songs of the Vedas, the splendor of the Upanishads, the glory of the Upanishads, the glory of the Bhagavad-Gita, the vastness (100,000 verses) of the Mahabharata, the tenderness and the heroism found in the Ramayana, the wisdom of the fables and stories of India, the scientific philosophy of Sankhya, the psychological philosophy of yoga, the poetical philosophy of Vedanta, the Laws of Manu, the grammar of Panini and other scientific writings, the lyrical poetry, and dramas of Kalidasa. Sanskrit literature, on the whole, is a romantic literature interwoven with idealism and practical wisdom, and with a passionate longing for spiritual vision. – Juan Mascaro

I can venture to affirm, without meaning to pluck a leaf from the never-fading laurels of our immortal Newton, that the whole of his theology, and part of his philosophy, may be found in the Vedas. – Sir William Jones

Their (Indian philosophers’) subtleties make most of the great European philosophers look like schoolboys. – T. S. Eliot

Quotes on India

Whenever I have read any part of the Vedas, I have felt that some unearthly and unknown light illuminated me. In the great teaching of the Vedas, there is no touch of sectarianism. It is of all ages, climbs, and nationalities and is the royal road for the attainment of the Great Knowledge. When I read it, I feel that I am under the spangled heavens of a summer night. – Henry David Thoreau

If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions, I should point to India. – Max Mueller

After the conversations about Indian philosophy, some of the ideas of Quantum Physics that had seemed so crazy suddenly made much more sense. – Werner Heisenberg

In the great books of India, an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence, which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the questions that exercise us. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

In religion, India is the only millionaire – the One land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined. – Mark Twain

India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only. – Mark Twain

If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India. – Romain Rolland

It is already becoming clear that a chapter which had a Western beginning will have to have an Indian ending if it is not to end in the self-destruction of the human race. At this supremely dangerous moment in history, the only way of salvation for mankind is the Indian Way. – Arnold Tonybee

The Sanskrit language, whatever be its antiquity is of wonderful structure, more perfect than the Greek, more copious than the Latin and more exquisitely refined than either. – Sir William Jones

It is true that even across the Himalayan barrier India has sent to us such questionable gifts as grammar and logic, philosophy and fables, hypnotism and chess, and above all our numerals and our decimal system. But these are not the essence of her spirit; they are trifles compared to what we may learn from her in the future. – Will Durant

It is India that gave us the ingenious method of expressing all numbers by ten symbols, each receiving a value of position as well as an absolute value, a profound and important idea which appears so simple to us now that we ignore its true merit. But its very simplicity, the great ease which it has lent to all computations, puts our arithmetic in the first rank of useful inventions, and we shall appreciate the grandeur of this achievement the more when we remember that it escaped the genius of Archimedes and Appollonius, two of the greatest men produced by antiquity. – Laplace

The marvel of the Bhagavad-Gita is its truly beautiful revelation of  life’s wisdom which enables philosophy to blossom into religion. – Herman Hesse

So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked – Mark Twain

India was the mother of our race and Sanskrit the mother of Europe’s languages. She was the mother of our philosophy, mother through the Arabs, of much of our mathematics, mother through Buddha, of the ideals embodied in Christianity, mother through village communities of self-government and democracy. Mother India is in many ways the mother of us all. – Will Durant

I go into the Upanishads to ask questions. – Niels Bohr

Not until we see the richness of the Hindu mind and its essential spirituality can we understand India – Lyn Yutang

When I read the Bhagavad-Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous. – Albert Einstein

India – The land of Vedas, the remarkable works contain not only religious ideas for a perfect life, but also facts which science has proved true. Electricity, radium, electronics, airship, all were known to the seers who founded the Vedas. – Wheeler Wilcox

From the Vedas we learn a practical art of surgery, medicine, music, house building under which mechanized art is included. They are encyclopedia of every aspect of life, culture, religion, science, ethics, law, cosmology and meteorology. – William James

There is no book in the world that is so thrilling, stirring and inspiring as the Upanishads. – Max Mueller

Vedas are the most rewarding and the most elevating book which can be possible in the world. – Schopenhauer

An examination of Indian Vedic doctrines shows that it is in tune with the most advanced scientific and philosophical thought of the West. – Sir John Woodroffe

Our present knowledge of the nervous system fits in so accurately with the internal description of the human body given in the Vedas (5000 years ago). Then the question arises whether the Vedas are really religious books or books on anatomy of the nervous system and medicine. – B.G. Rele

Vedanta teaches that consciousness is singular, all happenings are played out in one universal consciousness and there is no multiplicity of selves. – Erwin Schrodinger

The unity and continuity of Vedanta are reflected in the unity and continuity of wave mechanics. – Erwin Schrodinger

The Hindu religion is the only one of the world’s great faiths dedicated to the idea that the Cosmos itself undergoes an immense, indeed an infinite, number of deaths and rebirths. It is the only religion in which the time scales correspond, to those of modern scientific cosmology. Its cycles run from our ordinary day and night to a day and night of Brahma, 8.64 billion years long. Longer than the age of the Earth or the Sun and about half the time since the Big Bang. And there are much longer time scales still. – Carl Segan

For a virile national life

Strength is Virtue, Weakness is Sin

Whatever the external conditions, it is the weak who suffer. No amount of external adjustment or juxtapositions will be able to save a nation if it is inherently weak. To remain weak is the most heinous sin in this world, as that would destroy oneself and also incite feelings of violence in others. Our forefathers have said that physical survival is part of the highest religion and for physical survival strength is the only basis. It is said of Vishwamitra that once during an acute famine he did not get any food for days together. One day he saw the rotting leg of a dead dog lying in a Chandala’s house. Vishwamitra snatched it and got ready to eat it by first making an offering to God. The Chandala exclaimed, “Oh, sage, how is it you are eating a dog’s leg?” Vishwamitra replied, “Yes I must first live and be strong enough in order to do penance and good deeds in the world.”

But the thinking in our country during the last few decades has been one of looking down upon strength as something sinful and reprehensible. A wrong interpretation of ‘non-violence’ has deprived the national mind of the power of discrimination. We have begun to look upon strength as ‘violence’ and to glorify our weakness.

Once a Sadhu said, ” A person sufficiently strong to do himsa, but not doing so out of restraint, discretion and compassion can alone be said to be practising ahimsa. Suppose a strong man is going in a road and somebody knocks against him. If the strong man says with compassion, “All right, my dear fellow, I excuse you for the wrong you have done me”, then we say that the strong man has practised non-violence. For, though he is capable of giving him a blow and smashing his skull, he has restrained himself. Suppose, a thin, lean man – just a mosquito! – is going and somebody pulls his ears and the ‘mosquito’ trembling form head to foot says, “Sir, I excuse you”, who will believe him? Who will say that he is practising non-violence? He is like a man who, unable to check the dacoits plundering his house, loudly proclaims vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the entire world is my home)! People will only say that he is a coward and hypocrite, that he dare not to do anything and is only hiding his cowardice behind big platitudes. The atmosphere of our country today is charged with such misconceptions and platitudes of self-deception. A dense cloud of dust is raised in the form of high-sounding words like ‘peace’ and ‘non-violence’ with an assumed air of moral authority only to cover up our imbecility.

Non-Violence of the Imbecile

It is because of such perverse notions that we have been losing all-round. We find our frontiers shrinking. No one is in a mood to protect the integrity and honour of the motherland. Every national insult is covered up under the mast of ‘peace’. All these we gulp down saying that we are devotees of ‘peace’! It is said in the Mahabharata that a person who goes on swallowing insults is neither a male nor a female.

एतावानेव पुरुषो यदमर्षी यदक्षमी ।
क्षमावान् निरमर्षश्च नैव स्त्री न पुनः पुमान् ।।

(He alone is a man who does not brook or forgive insults. One who remains cold and tolerant in the face of insults is neither a male not a female.)

The Great Examples

Our philosophy tells us that man should be humble only when he is capable of humbling others. When can one be forgiving? Only when one becomes powerful enough to strike down those who insult him. When should one serve others? Only when he becomes worthy of commanding the willing service of the entire world.

We see this ideal in Sri Krishna who preached ahimsa in Gita, after annihilating the many evil demons one after another right form his childhood. It was he who slew Kamsa, reinstated Ugarasena on the throne but himself remained as the sentinel at the court entrance, welcoming the royal guests. It was again he who took upon himself the menial service of removing the leaves after meals in the great Rajasuya Yaga of Yudhishthira, where he was the person honoured with Agrapooja! Such is the message of our philosophy.

And again in the Mahabharata Sri Krishna, on the battle-field of Kurukshetra, invoked manliness in Arjuna with the call:

क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ ।

(Yield not to imbecility, O Partha!)

Not only the message of the Gita, but the context in which it was delivered, the preceptor who gave it out, and the pupil, are all cast in a heroic setting. Sri Krishna, the preceptor, was accepted on all hands as the supreme hero of that Yuga. Arjuna, the pupil, too was a warrior par excellence, only next to Sri Krishna. And Bhagvad – Gita, the greatest treasure-house of spiritual knowledge, is the dialogue on the battlefield between these two great heroes of those times.

This only highlights the fact of human life that the establishment of righteousness and virtues in this world of conflicts is not possible without the quality of fearlessness and heroism. Of course, Arjuna was not a coward. But having seen his own elders and preceptors ranged against him, he was riddled with doubts about the rectitude of his course of action. He did not want to run away from the battlefield. On the contrary, keeping aside his arms, he wanted to die at hands of his adversaries, in a spirit of resignation.

यदि मामप्रतीकारमशस्त्रं शस्त्रपाणयः ।
धार्तराष्ट्रा रणे हन्युस्तन्मे क्षेमतरं भवेत् ।।

(Far better would it be for me if sons of Dhritarashtra, weapons in hand, should slay me in the battle, while I remain in non-retaliating and unarmed.)

The same confusion appears to have gripped the hearts of our leaders today. Words like ‘non-retaliation’, ‘peace’ etc., are being shouted form housetops. Of course, there is a vast difference between the mental conditions of the two. Arjuna was a hero to the very core; while the protestations of high-flown words like ‘non-retaliation’ etc., that we hear today are put up as a smoke-screen to cover up our imbecility.

The Right Philosophy

Of course, we should not indulge in unprovoked violence. At the same time, we should also not allow others to do violence to us. Allowing violence to be done to oneself is also violence and therefore adharma. Once a great Jain Sadhu explaining the significance of ahimsa said, “If you are faced with a brute force bent upon destroying you and you do nothing to protect yourself in the name of ahimsa, then you will have only encouraged the evil power to indulge in violence. You thus become an abettor in the crime and an abettor is as much guilty of the crime as the actual perpetrator.” He added, “Intention, and not the physical act, is the only criterion to decide whether the act is in the nature of himsa or ahimsa.”

The teaching of the really great ones have always guided us correctly in all such matters. Even a most compassionate saint like Tukaram defined compassion as:

दया तिचे नांव भूतांचें पालन आणिक निर्दलन कंटकांचें ।

(Compassion is protection of all living beings and destruction of the wicked elements).

There is an instance in the life of Buddha, significant in this connection. The commander-in chief of a particular kingdom came to him to receive deeksha and become his disciple. Buddha asked him as to what had prompted him to become a bhiksu. To that, the commander replied, “Enemies have invaded our territory. I am now required to lead our forces against them. But that will lead to violence and bloodshed on both sides. I felt that it would be sinful act. I therefore decided to relinquish the military responsibility and have come over here to follow your path of peace and non-violence.” Buddha counseled him: “Merely because you have come away, the enemies are not going to give up their aggression. They are bound to indulge in killing and ravaging. If you forsake your duty of protecting the innocents under your charge, the sin of all that violence will visit upon your head. Protection of the good and righteous is verily a duty enjoined by Dharma. No sin will attach to you while doing this duty. So, go back and carry our your assignment.” That was how Buddha interpreted the true meaning of ahimsa.

Sri Krishna has unequivocally and for all time to come declared that establishment of dharma implies the destruction of the evil-doers:

विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् ।

Sri Krishna himself was the very embodiment of that principle. No doubt he exerted himself to the utmost to avoid war and bring about peace. But he clearly foresaw that the ultimate sanction lay in his own supreme strength. When he was about to go to Duryodhana for bringing about a compromise Dharmaraja (Yudhishtira) became anxious about his safety fearing that the evil-natured Duryodhana might harm Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna assured him that in that event Dharmaraja would get the kingdom without a war as he himself would destroy Duryodhana and his host of associates. That is the only right view regarding the role of strength while facing adversaries. To speak and act always in terms of applying force when it is not needed and when a just and honourable compromise is possible is inhuman and brutal. But to talk always of compromise and not to use force even when there is no other way out to undo injustice and insults is sheer cowardice and imbecility.

We, therefore, have to properly understand the true message of those great lives as lived by them in this world of hard realities. And the hard reality is that the world, as it is constituted today, understands but one language – the language of strength. It is on the unshakable foundation of immense strength alone that the nation rises and maintains itself in a glorious condition.

(The above is from Sri Golwalkar’s Bunch of Thoughts.)

Education

Our Basic Concept

To start with, what does ‘education’ connote in the modern sense of the term? It is to draw out the latent faculties in man. Merely stuffing pieces of information into the brain is not education. Making man’s brain a lumber room is not its aim. Recognising and bringing out the diverse talents and genius in man has been taken to be the cornerstone of education everywhere. And this has yielded substantial results too. We can find men of great achievements in several fields of arts and sciences in various countries.

But, we the Hindus have gone further. With us, the bringing out or the manifestation of the Inner Personality of man, is the essence of education. Life is not a mere bundle of passions. We say, there is an Ultimate Reality within us. To realise and manifest that Supreme Reality is the basic aim of our system of education. Our great sages and tapasvis have given detailed instructions with regard to the procedures to do that. And the teacher has a vital role in executing them.

Tap the Reservoir

To start with, he has to inculcate in the students the ten principles of Yama and Niyama. Ahimsa (non-injury), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-coveting), Brahmacharya (continence) and Aparigraha (non-acquisition) form the five Yamas. Shoucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapah (penance), Swadhyaya (spiritual study), and Ishwara Pranidhana (offering of one’s actions to God) form the five Niyama. Even if a small number of students in a school imbibe the spirit of Yamas and Niyamas, they will be able to spread a healthy atmosphere so that others also will follow them in course of time.

Purge Perversions

Most of our young men do not even know that we have an ancient history, rich with excellences in all fields of life. Their methods of studying subjects also betray a lack of serious effort and the will to understand. Study of text-books and reference books by standard authors is given a go-by. ‘Short-Notes’ and ‘Questions and Answers’ have become the fashion of the day. Private tuition appears to the students to be another such easy way to pass. A teacher should, in fact, feel it an insult to his calibre and devotion to duty if his students are required to take tuition from others. The effect of all such short-cuts on the students’ minds has been ruining of his initiative, will and ability to understand.

Be Hindus to the Core

All these perversions have to be nipped in the bud and the great qualities of head and heart planted in the young minds right from the elementary school stage. This can be done only when we draw upon the limitless storehouse of our ancient as well as modern literature which depicts our sublime national ethos and our mighty national heroes and events. Especially, our young men must be made to feel proud of being born in the great lineage of Rishis and Yogis. If we have to live up to their legacy, we must live as Hindus, we must appear as Hindus and also we must make ourselves felt by the whole world as Hindus. It is only when we learn to respect ourselves, our national customs and manners that we can hope to command respect from the outside world also. In fact the world wants us to be true to ourselves and not to become mere carbon copies of some X,Y or Z.

Once a Frenchman came to me. He was invited for food. He gladly sat on the floor and took our food just like us with fingers – no spoon, no fork, no tables. He said that he relished it all the more, and remarked: “When we come to you we must know and experience your ways and specialities of behaviour and customs. Otherwise where is the fun in our coming all the way to your country?

(The above is from Sri Golwalkar’s Bunch of Thoughts.)

The qualities of Rama

(In the first chapter of the Bala Kanda of Ramayana, Narada extols the qualities of Rama to Sage Valmiki. Here is an English translation of the same taken from here.)

Then Nárada, clear before whose eye

The present, past, and future lie,

Made ready answer: ‘Hermit, where

Are graces found so high and rare?

Yet listen, and my tongue shall tell

In whom alone these virtues dwell.

From old Ikshváku’s  line he came,

Known to the world by Ráma’s name:

With soul subdued, a chief of might,

In Scripture versed, in glory bright,

His steps in virtue’s paths are bent,

Obedient, pure, and eloquent.

In each emprise he wins success,

And dying foes his power confess.

Tall and broad-shouldered, strong of limb,

Fortune has set her mark on him.

Graced with a conch-shell’s triple line,

His threat displays the auspicious sign.

High destiny is clear impressed

On massive jaw and ample chest,

His mighty shafts he truly aims,

And foemen in the battle tames.

Deep in the muscle, scarcely shown,

Embedded lies his collar-bone.

His lordly steps are firm and free,

His strong arms reach below his knee; 1

All fairest graces join to deck

His head, his brow, his stately neck,

And limbs in fair proportion set:

The manliest form e’er fashioned yet.

Graced with each high imperial mark,

His skin is soft and lustrous dark.

Large are his eyes that sweetly shine

With majesty almost divine.

His plighted word he ne’er forgets;

On erring sense a watch he sets.

By nature wise, his teacher’s skill

Has trained him to subdue his will.

Good, resolute and pure, and strong,

He guards mankind from scathe and wrong,

And lends his aid, and ne’er in vain,

The cause of justice to maintain.

Well has he studied o’er and o’er

The Vedas  and their kindred lore.

Well skilled is he the bow to draw,

Well trained in arts and versed in law;

High-souled and meet for happy fate,

Most tender and compassionate;

The noblest of all lordly givers,

Whom good men follow, as the rivers

Follow the King of Floods, the sea:

So liberal, so just is he.

The joy of Queen Kaus’alyá’s  heart,

In every virtue he has part:

Firm as Himálaya’s snowy steep,

Unfathomed like the mighty deep:

The peer of Vishnu’s power and might,

And lovely as the Lord of Night;

Patient as Earth, but, roused to ire,

Fierce as the world-destroying fire;

In bounty like the Lord of Gold,

And Justice self in human mould.

The Eternal Basis

Ideal Society as God

We look upon the society as the living manifestation of Almighty. And we have attributed to the Almighty the capacity of feeding all the living creatures under his care. He is therefore called Vishwambhara. There is a pauranic story, which I heard form a keertankar. Once, it seems, it occurred to Narada to test Lord Vishnu Himself. He caught hold of a few ants, shut them up in a small box and kept it in his safe custody. Then he went out on his usual rounds singing the praise of Vishnu. After a while, he came to Lord Vishnu and casually enquired whether the Lord had had his food. Vishnu replied that he had done so after attending to the feeding of all the living creation. Narada then took out his box saying, “Well, these poor creatures seem to have escaped your Lord’s notice!” Vishnu appeared taken aback, apologised and requested Narada to open the box. And lo! When the box was opened, the ants came out each with a particle of sugar in its mouth!

Imaginary though the story may be, it beautifully depicts the state of an ideal society, which will take care of the needs of every living being under its shelter. In fact, the descriptions of our ancient society approximated to this state. No individual, however low and humble he may be, was left to suffer with hunger, thirst or want of shelter. The animals and birds near about also were cared for. Some had even taken a vow of feeding the ants before taking their food.

For an Abiding Basis

It is also well known that such an abiding, alert, positive and organised state of society cannot be based on mere antagonism to others. The reason for this is very simple. Movements which start as reactions to outside factors collapse to the ground no sooner the object of their antagonism is removed. There is also another important consideration. When the spirit of antagonism rules our mind, we have perforce to think constantly of those whom we oppose. And especially, we shall have to ruminate over their evil acts and evil qualities. Our shastras says that a man becomes what he thinks. It is the continuous thought-processes that go to form the mental texture and thus shape the personality of man.

Sign of Living Society

It is on this reactionary background that people say that there is now a change in circumstances, that since the British have left this country there is no need for an organisation of this type. We, on the other hand, view the problem differently. We say, the Hindus were here and they continue to be here. They were disunited and are still disunited. We see the same disintegrated, mute Hindu Society letting itself to be trampled upon without a murmur of protest. And when it does speak, it is with so many voices that what it says sounds like gibberish. As such, we see absolutely no change in the situation. Suppose there is a man suffering from typhoid during an epidemic. Will the doctor treating that patient lose the incentive when the health officer of the town declares that the epidemic had ended? Similarly, do we not see the malady of disunity still scouring the body of this ancient and great society? How then can we afford to stop administering the proper medicine?

Our duty, therefore, to make our society united, organised and mighty is as much before us today as at any time before. It is our dharma to see that our society, our great mother, is made powerful, great, and happy. It is this innate love and adoration for our people, this positive faith in our national being that has been the constant urge for all our actions. True love of that type is not dependent upon external situations. Nor is it born out of them. It takes its roots deep in our hearts reminding us of the duty towards our nation every moment of our life. It makes us conscious that we belong to this great and sacred motherland that we owe a deep debt of gratitude to her and that every action of ours must be our offering in her cause.

Hinduism, which has been our sheet-anchor, fosters this pure and all-embracing love, free from any spirit of reaction. We of the Sangh, who have been born and bred in that heritage, only act. We do not react. In fact, it is the nature of the insignificant and material things to react strongly towards momentary heat and cold. But healthy living human beings are not overcome by vagaries of weather. They maintain a steady temperature of their own which even the extreme variations of weather cannot disturb. In fact, they fall down lifeless whenever their bodies no longer maintain that normal temperature. It is therefore that we have been constantly keeping before our mind’s eye the vision of an organised society, which would not stray from its chartered course because of changes in external circumstances.

(Taken from Sri Golwalkar’s Bunch of Thoughts.)

Life of Srinivasa Ramanujan

It is one of the most romantic stories in the history of mathematics: in 1913, the English mathematician G. H. Hardy received a strange letter from an unknown clerk in Madras, India. The ten-page letter contained about 120 statements of theorems on infinite series, improper integrals, continued fractions, and number theory (Here is a .dvi file with a sample of these results). Every prominent mathematician gets letters from cranks, and at first glance Hardy no doubt put this letter in that class. But something about the formulas made him take a second look, and show it to his collaborator J. E. Littlewood. After a few hours, they concluded that the results “must be true because, if they were not true, no one would have had the imagination to invent them”.

Thus was Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887-1920) introduced to the mathematical world. Born in South India, Ramanujan was a promising student, winning academic prizes in high school. But at age 16 his life took a decisive turn after he obtained a book titled A Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics. The book was simply a compilation of thousands of mathematical results, most set down with little or no indication of proof. It was in no sense a mathematical classic; rather, it was written as an aid to coaching English mathematics students facing the notoriously difficult Tripos examination, which involved a great deal of wholesale memorization. But in Ramanujan it inspired a burst of feverish mathematical activity, as he worked through the book’s results and beyond. Unfortunately, his total immersion in mathematics was disastrous for Ramanujan’s academic career: ignoring all his other subjects, he repeatedly failed his college exams.

As a college dropout from a poor family, Ramanujan’s position was precarious. He lived off the charity of friends, filling notebooks with mathematical discoveries and seeking patrons to support his work. Finally he met with modest success when the Indian mathematician Ramachandra Rao provided him with first a modest subsidy, and later a clerkship at the Madras Port Trust. During this period Ramanujan had his first paper published, a 17-page work on Bernoulli numbers that appeared in 1911 in the Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society. Still no one was quite sure if Ramanujan was a real genius or a crank. With the encouragement of friends, he wrote to mathematicians in Cambridge seeking validation of his work. Twice he wrote with no response; on the third try, he found Hardy.

Hardy wrote enthusiastically back to Ramanujan, and Hardy’s stamp of approval improved Ramanujan’s status almost immediately. Ramanujan was named a research scholar at the University of Madras, receiving double his clerk’s salary and required only to submit quarterly reports on his work. But Hardy was determined that Ramanujan be brought to England. Ramanujan’s mother resisted at first–high-caste Indians shunned travel to foreign lands–but finally gave in, ostensibly after a vision. In March 1914, Ramanujan boarded a steamer for England.

Ramanujan’s arrival at Cambridge was the beginning of a very successful five-year collaboration with Hardy. In some ways the two made an odd pair: Hardy was a great exponent of rigor in analysis, while Ramanujan’s results were (as Hardy put it) “arrived at by a process of mingled argument, intuition, and induction, of which he was entirely unable to give any coherent account”. Hardy did his best to fill in the gaps in Ramanujan’s education without discouraging him. He was amazed by Ramanujan’s uncanny formal intuition in manipulating infinite series, continued fractions, and the like: “I have never met his equal, and can compare him only with Euler or Jacobi.”

One remarkable result of the Hardy-Ramanujan collaboration was a formula for the number p(n) of partitions of a number n. A partition of a positive integer n is just an expression for n as a sum of positive integers, regardless of order. Thus p(4) = 5 because 4 can be written as 1+1+1+1, 1+1+2, 2+2, 1+3, or 4. The problem of finding p(n) was studied by Euler, who found a formula for the generating function of p(n) (that is, for the infinite series whose nth term is p(n)xⁿ). While this allows one to calculate p(n) recursively, it doesn’t lead to an explicit formula. Hardy and Ramanujan came up with such a formula (though they only proved it works asymptotically; Rademacher proved it gives the exact value of p(n)).

Ramanujan’s years in England were mathematically productive, and he gained the recognition he hoped for. Cambridge granted him a Bachelor of Science degree “by research” in 1916, and he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (the first Indian to be so honored) in 1918. But the alien climate and culture took a toll on his health. Ramanujan had always lived in a tropical climate and had his mother or his wife to cook for him: now he faced the English winter, and he had to do all his own cooking to adhere to his caste’s strict dietary rules. Wartime shortages only made things worse. In 1917 he was hospitalized, his doctors fearing for his life. By late 1918 his health had improved; he returned to India in 1919. But his health failed again, and he died the next year.

Besides his published work, Ramanujan left behind several notebooks, which have been the object of much study. The English mathematician G. N. Watson wrote a long series of papers about them. More recently the American mathematician Bruce C. Berndt has written a multi-volume study of the notebooks. In 1997 The Ramanujan Journal was launched to publish work “in areas of mathematics influenced by Ramanujan”.

(This biography of this awe-inspiring genius is taken from here.)

Our Vision of Glory – 2

Role of Dharma

When we say that we want to protect and rejuvenate dharma, do we mean the revival of its external form of rituals and formalities? In our country, some people wear the sacred thread – yajnopavita – while some do not. Some keep a tuff of hair, some do not. Some worship idols, some do not. These things have meaning for those who have faith in them. And they are just small external signs of our all-comprehensive dharma. They must not be confused with dharma itself.

Our definition of dharma is twofold. The first is proper rehabilitation of man’s mind; and the second is adjustment of various individuals for a harmonious corporate existence, i.e., a good social order to hold the people together.

Let us take the first aspect. What is meant by the rehabilitation of mind? We know that the personality of man is only a projection of his mind. But the mind is like an animal, which runs after so many things and it is so constituted as to be one with all the desired things. Ordinarily, man’s mind does not stop to consider what is right and what is wrong. It stoops to any level in order to fulfil its desires. With such a mind, man is not likely to rise higher than the level of an ordinary animal. Therefore the mind is to be cultivated in self-restraint and certain other great qualities. Those attributes of good conduct are mentioned in various contexts in the Bhagavad-Gita and our other holy scriptures. They have described five yamas for the body and five niyamas for the mind.

The other is the social aspect. Man’s life has to be attuned to the wider interests of the people as a whole. Both these aspects are complementary to each other. The first aspect is defined as –

यतोभ्युदयनिःश्रेयसिद्धिः स धर्मः ।

which means that the arrangement which enables and encourages man to control his desires and create within himself the competence to realise the Divine Essence or the Eternal Reality even while enjoying a rich material life, is dharma. The second aspect is -

धारणात् धर्ममित्याहुः धर्मो धारयति प्रजाः ।।

which means that the power which brings individuals together and sustains them as a society is called dharma. A combination of these two definitions shows that the establishment of dharma means the building of an organised social life wherein each individual has realised his oneness with others in society and is imbued with a spirit of sacrifice to make others’ material life richer and happier, and develops spiritual strength which leads to the realisation of the Ultimate Truth.

There is one more way of looking at this blending of the development of the individual with the integrity and welfare of the society. We have been told by our great thought-givers to discriminate between what is permanent and what is impermanent. Shankaracharya has called it nityanitya-vastu-viveka. Let us, for the time being, keep apart its high philosophical interpretations and apply to our national life. Individuals come and go. Countless generations have come and gone. But the nation has remained. Drops of water come, stay for a while and evaporate; but the flow of the Ganga goes on ceaselessly. So is the eternal flow of our national life. We, the individuals, appear on the surface like bubbles or drops for a moment, and disappear. The `permanent’, therefore, is the national life. The ‘impermanent’ is the individual. The ideal arrangement would therefore be to transform the impermanent-the individual-into a means to attain the permanent – the social good – which would at the same time enable the individual to enrich and bring to blossom his latent divinity. This is dharma in its twofold aspect, which leads mankind to its ultimate goal of Realisation of Godhead-moksha.

(The above passage is an excerpt from Sri Golwalkar’s “Bunch of Thoughts”.)

Our Vision of Glory – 1

Our Vision of Glory

Each nation has its own key-note in life and marches ahead in tune with that national ethos. Our Hindu Nation has also preserved a unique characteristic since times immemorial. To us, the aspects of material happiness, i.e., artha (the amassing of wealth) and kama (the satisfaction of physical desires) are only a part of man’s life. Our great ancestors declared that there are two more aspects of human endeavour, dharma and moksha. They built up our society on the basis of this fourfold achievement, the chaturvidha purushartha of dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

Since hoary times our society has been known not merely for its wealth and affluence but more so for the other two aspects of life. We are therefore called a highly moral, spiritual and philosophical people, who have kept as their ultimate goal nothing short of direct communication with God Himself, i.e. moksha. If this final aim of human existence is left out, then what remains except the feeding of the brute in man? If it is a fact that there is a difference between man and the animal, then the concepts of prosperity and happiness for the two also must differ. If to eat, drink and enjoy abundantly is the only criterion for both, man will have to be equated with a mere beast. Therefore we say that we have also to feed the spirit of man. It is only when we do that, that we can look upon our national existence as being really great and glorious.

So, when we think of the greatness and glory of our nation, we not only think of its wealth and affluence, of all the means of satisfaction of the necessities of the body but also of the mind of the individual which should be made to gradually rise above all these things and place him in a position to which he is entitled as a human being, that is, in direct relation with divinity. It has been said, धर्मादर्थश्चकामश्च, that is, first follow dharma, and dharma will also give artha and kama.

(The above passage are excerpts from Sri Golwalkar’s “Bunch of Thoughts“)

On Personal Mastery

Two beautiful words: personal mastery. They have an inspirational vibe to them. They offer hope. They challenge. They provoke. They affirm – and remind us of our highest possibilities.

To be given the gift of life is to be given an awesome responsibility. Each of us must go out into the world each day and live our best. Yes, life doesn’t always seem fair. We’ll encounter difficult customers and low-performing suppliers and angry commuters. We’ll face hard and confusing times. We’ll feel alone, or like giving up on standing for our highest and best. That’s just life happening. But, at the same time, life offers you daily opportunities to shine. To polish your gifts. To release your chains. To achieve personal mastery.

Make a commitment today that will alter the course of your life. Forever. Dedicate yourself to personal mastery. Think about your thinking. Detect your authentic values and what you aim to stand for. (How can you be who you are if you don’t know who you are?) Get to know your fears. Reflect on your personal genius and human potential. Learn to let go of the emotional baggage from your past. Refuse to tolerate negativity. (Kahlil Gibran once wrote that: “Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.” Every one of us has so many more choices than we currently see, and as we dare, doors we didn;t even know existed begin to open up.) Read more. Learn more. Get fit – no, get ultra fit. Become remarkable at what you do for work. Become so good at your craft that your organization cannot run without you. Become the friendliest person you know. Work on compassion and understanding. Be nice. Be good.

Note: This above passage has been taken from the lesson titled “On Personal Mastery” from Robin Sharma‘s beautifully inspiring book, “The Greatness Guide 2″.

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Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear–not absence of fear. – Mark Twain

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People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves, they have the first secret of success. – Norman Vincent Peale

Our Duty to Society – 3

Springs of National Glory

In fact, such have been the qualities of the great builders of our society since hoary times. It is always the selfless, self-confident and devoted band of missionaries, intensely proud of their national ethos, who have roused the sleeping manliness in our nation in times of adversity and made our nation rise gloriously from a heap of shambles. Verily such men have been the true salt of this soil. In ancient times, the educated and intelligent young men came forward in an unbroken succession to serve and elevate society giving up all thought of personal comforts and enjoyments. They were the embodiment of the spirit of selfless service, sacrifice and character. They would live on roots or collect a morsel going from door to door and somehow carry on their physical existence. And all their energies were bent towards the single purpose of bringing about the welfare of the common people. They would mix with them, share their joys and sorrows, try to alleviate their physical wants and miseries and infuse in them the higher values of life. They – intelligent, the self-sacrificing hearts – were the pinnacles from which the streams of cultural and spiritual values flowed and permeated all levels of our society. They formed the perennial life-springs, that made, both these streams, i.e., of cultural sublimity and physical prosperity, flow to the brim in national life and made our nation a treasure-house of material and spiritual glory.

Mother Wants

Let us re-live those great ideals. Let us shake off the present-day emasculating notions and become real living men, bubbling with national pride, living and breathing the grand ideas of service, self-reliance and dedication in the cause of our dear and sacred motherland. Only such a band of young men fired with a missionary zeal can rouse our people to action and ward off the grave perils threatening our country from inside and outside.

Let us feel ourselves fortunate to have been born in the present trying situation. Some may deem it a stroke of rare good luck to come into the world in a nation of peace and plenty, of power and glory. There are so many in our country today, who feel in that manner and go away to America, England etc., lured by the luxuries there. But men with ring of real heroism think otherwise and thank God that during their sojourn here they are faced with hardships, scarcity, adversity and trouble, through which they have to struggle on to prosperity. In times of affluence, our life will probably mean nothing more than ‘to be born, to live happily for some time and die one day’. But in adverse circumstances we get an opportunity to put forth the best in us, to test our manliness and to stand before the world as a colossal personality full of grandeur. We are offered the chance to rise to our full stature, to soar to heights beyond the highest flights of human imagination.

Today, more than anything else, Mother needs such men – young, intelligent, dedicated and more than all virile and masculine. When Narayana-eternal knowledge- and Nara-eternal manliness- combine, victory is ensured. And such are the men who make history – men with capital ‘M’.

Note: The above paragraphs are excerpts from Sri M. S. Golwalkar’s book, Bunch of Thoughts.

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I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve. – Albert Schweitzer

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Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. – John F. Kennedy

Our Duty to Society – 2

Once some of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa’s disciples were talking about helping the poor, showing compassion to them and so on. Sri Ramakrishna came there in a God-intoxicated mood and admonished them saying, “Who are you to show compassion to them? Who are you to help them? They are the living manifestations of Narayana himself. So you can only serve them”.

True Service

The great men of our land have always upheld the spirit of service as the highest expression of devotion to God. One such great soul has prayed to Almighty-

न त्वहं कामये राज्यं न स्वर्गं नापुनर्भवम् ।
कामये दुःखतप्तानां प्राणिनामार्तिनाशनम् ।।

(I desire neither kingdom nor heaven nor salvation. All that I desire is to remove the sorrows and miseries of living beings.)

This is the true spirit of service. The constant prayer of such a person is for greater strength and capacity to serve. His fulfillment in life is that he has offered in service all that God has bestowed upon him. He says, “Oh, God! I have emptied the jholi (bag) of my life at Thy feet, and therein lies the fullness of my life”.

Swami Vivekananda used to say, “Be ready to bear everything for the sake of the people like the great Guru Govind Singh. After having shed his blood and the blood of his nearest and dearest, he retired from the field calmly to die in the South but not a word of curse escaped his lips against those who had ungratefully forsaken him!“

Such is the true servant of society who seeks not anything in return for himself but finds the joy of fulfillment in having suffered and sacrificed for the good of society.

The spirit of humility and service need not make us loose our self-reliance and self-confidence. All our great men have been an embodiment of the blend of the two virtues. In fact, the two qualities are like the two faces of a coin.

Mahadev Govind Ranade, a scholar of great note in Maharashtra was a destitute in his early life. In his school days he would go to Madhukari (receiving food from a few homes) which was then considered honourable. He would sit in temples under an oil lamp and study. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, one of our greatest educationists from Bengal, was also very poor. It was monetarily hard enough for him even to complete Matriculation. Then he took up a job and out of his meagre earnings continued his college studies. Self-reliance was the watchword that made these stalwarts rise to such heights of scholarship.

But what do we see all around us today? Do we find such self-effort and self-reliance in our youth? Take a student, for instance. He does not like to take the trouble of writing notes every day at home. The study of textbooks also has become out of date. He goes in for printed notes, questions and answers and tries to get them by rote. And if he can dispense with that also, so much the better. For that purpose, he moves about to see if he can get at the examination questions beforehand and sometimes does not hesitate even to copy from others in the examination hall. Or else, he takes some rounds of the Hanuman shrine! But he never pauses to think that he has to put in personal efforts to learn, to acquire knowledge. Naturally, he remains the same dunce that he was even after passing the examination.

Note: The above are excerpts taken from Sri M. S. Golwalkar’s Bunch of Thoughts.

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Who will give the world light? Sacrifice in the past has been the Law, it will be, alas, for ages to come. The earth’s bravest and best will have to sacrifice themselves for the good of many, for the welfare of all. – Swami Vivekananda

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Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. - Albert Einstein

Swami Vivekananda’s sayings

Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.

Be a hero. Always say, “I have no fear.” Tell this to everyone — “Have no fear.”

Fear is death, fear is sin, fear is hell, fear is unrighteousness, fear is wrong life. All the negative thoughts and ideas that are in the world have proceeded from this evil spirit of fear.

Face the brute, which is a lesson for all life—face the terrible, face it boldly. The hardships of life fall back when we cease to flee before them.

We must have friendship for all; we must be merciful toward those that are in misery; when people are happy, we ought to be happy; and to the wicked we must be indifferent. These attitudes will make the mind peaceful.

Fill the brain with high thoughts, highest ideals, place them day and night before you, and out of that will come great work.

Who will give the world light? Sacrifice in the past has been the Law, it will be, alas, for ages to come. The earth’s bravest and best will have to sacrifice themselves for the good of many, for the welfare of all.

Truth, purity, and unselfishness – whenever these are present, there is no power below or above the sun to crush the possessor thereof. Equipped with these, one individual is able to face the whole universe in opposition.

Everything can be sacrificed for truth, but truth cannot be sacrificed for anything.

Strength is the sign of vigor, the sign of life, the sign of hope,the sign of health, and the sign of everything that is good. As long as the body lives, there must be strength in the body, strength in the mind, strength in the hand.

Great work requires great and persistent effort for a long time. Character has to be established through a thousand stumbles.

As different streams having different sources all mingle their waters in the sea, so different tendencies various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to God.

So long as millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every person a traitor who, having been educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them.

We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.

Stand up, be bold, be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your own destiny. All the strength and succor you want is within yourselves. Therefore, make your own future.

Do not believe in a thing because you have read about it in a book.
Do not believe in a thing because another man has said it was true.
Do not believe in words because they are hallowed by tradition.
Find out the truth for yourself. Reason it out. That is realization.

Our Duty towards the Society – 1

Note: The following are excerpts from Sri M. S. Golwalkar‘s book, “Bunch of Thoughts“. This book by this great national thinker, is literally a treasure-house of wisdom on the proper conduct of life, our dharma, remembering the unrivaled glory of the Hindu culture, building a strong India, and organizing and uplifting the entire society. Sri Golwalkar’s remarkable courage, love of truth, power of conviction and the spirit of selfless sacrifice is reflected well in his thoughts as presented in the book.

Our forefathers therefore said, “Our People are our God”. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, one of the greatest teachers of mankind, said, ‘Serve man’. His great disciple Swami Vivekananda also stated the same emphatically. But ‘man’, in the sense of the whole of humanity, is a very wide concept and as such, cannot be grasped easily as a single solid entity for us to see and feel. Therefore it is that so many who took up the idea of serving humanity ended in inanity and inaction. Hence our forefathers, understanding the limitations of the human mind and intellect, said, “Humanity and all that is all right, but before one can rise to that stage, one should take a view of the Almighty with certain limitations as it were, which one can understand, feel and serve”. The Hindu People, they said, is the Virat Purusha, the Almighty manifesting Himself.

True Spirit of Service

This supreme vision of Godhead in society is the very core of our concept of ‘nation’ and has permeated our thinking and given rise to various unique concepts of our cultural heritage.

That vision inspires us to look upon every individual of our society as a part of that Divine Whole. All individuals are therefore equally sacred and worthy of our service. Therefore any sense of discrimination amongst them is reprehensible. Thus, in our culture, the spirit of social service has been sublimated into worship of God.

There are millions of human beings all around us who live in hunger and destitution, deprived of even the barest necessities of life, and whose stories of misery will move the stoniest of hearts. It is verily God who has taken those forms of the poor, the destitute and the suffering. What for? Does He want anything? He is the very embodiment of all power, all knowledge, and is the Master of all. Then what is it that He wants? He comes in those forms to give us an opportunity to serve Him. Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa called them Daridra Narayana (destitute God)

Once our life becomes soaked with this true spirit of service, we will feel that all our individual and family possessions, however abundant they may be, do not really belong to us. These are only the means to worship God in the form of society. Our whole life will then be an offering in the service of society. The Upanishads say :

ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किंच जगत्यां जगत् ।
तेन त्यक्तेनभुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद् धनम् ।।

(God permeates all Creation. Whatever is left over by Him, after offering Him, enjoy only that much. Do not rob what belongs to others)

Let us therefore acquire maximum of material wealth so that we can serve God in the form of society in the best possible manner. And out of all that wealth, only that minimum should be used for our sake the denial of which will hamper our capacity for service. To claim or to make a personal use of more than that, is verily an act of theft against society.

In Bhagavata Narada says :

यावद् भ्रीयेत् जठरं तावत् स्वत्वं हि देहिनाम् ।
अधिकं योभिमन्येत स स्तेनो दंडमर्हति ।।

(Take whatever is essential for bodily sustenance. To take more is an act of theft and deserves to be punished)

Thus we are only the trustees of society. It is only when we become trustees in the true sense that we can serve society best. Such a pure attitude of service will leave no scope for ego or self-adulation.

Duty in Place of Right

Today we hear everywhere the clamour for ‘rights’. All our political parties too are rousing the ego in our people by constantly speaking of their ‘rights’. Nowhere is there any stress on ‘duties’ and the spirit of selfless service. The spirit of co-operation which is the soul of society can hardly survive in a climate of assertion of egocentric rights. That is why we are finding conflicts among the various component parts in our national life today, between the teacher and the taught, the labourer and the industrialist, and so on. It is only by an assimilation of our cultural vision that the true spirit of co-operation and consciousness of duty can be revived in our national life.

Powerful Thoughts

Read every day something no one else is reading.

Think every day something no one else is thinking.

It is bad for the mind to be always part of unanimity.     (Christopher Morley)

When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations; your consciousness expands in every direction; and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.    (Patanjali)

I will govern my life my life and thoughts as if the whole world were to see the one, and read the other.  (Seneca)

There is nothing noble in being superior to others. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.  (Ancient Indian Proverb)

Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties, passing from one stage of success to another, forming new wishes and seeing them gratified. He that labors in any great or laudable undertaking has his fatigues first supported by hope and afterwards supported by joy.    (Samuel Johnson)

Of all the beautiful truths pertaining to the soul which have been restored and brought to light in this age, none is more gladdening or fruitful of divine promise and confidence than this – that you are the master of your thought, the molder of your character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment and destiny.  (James Allen)

I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be “Happy.” I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter: to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you have lived at all.   (Leo C. Rosten)

To laugh often, and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children, to earn the approbation of honest critics; to appreciate beauty; to give of one’s self, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – that is to have succeeded.   (Emerson)

What is will be five years from now depends on two primary influences – the people you associate with, and the books you read.     (Robin Sharma)

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. (George Bernard Shaw)

The heights great men achieved and kept,

Were not attained by sudden flight.

But they, while their companions slept,

Were toiling upward in the night.    (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

Note: These quotes appear in different books by Robin Sharma. A partial list of his books is given here.

Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Address: Why we disagree

Given below is the text of Swami Vivekananda’s address, “Why we disagree”, at the World’s Parliament of Religions at Chicago on September 15, 1893. Here are the links to the texts of the Opening day address and the Final session address.

I will tell you a little story. You have heard the eloquent speaker who has just finished say, “Let us cease from abusing each other,” and he was very sorry that there should be always so much variance.

But I think I should tell you a story which would illustrate the cause of this variance. A frog lived in a well. It had lived there for a long time. It was born there and brought up there, and yet was a little, small frog. Of course the evolutionists were not there then to tell us whether the frog lost its eyes or not, but, for our story’s sake, we must take it for granted that it had its eyes, and that it every day cleansed the water of all the worms and bacilli that lived in it with an energy that would do credit to our modern bacteriologists. In this way it went on and became a little sleek and fat. Well, one day another frog that lived in the sea came and fell into the well.

“Where are you from?”

“I am from the sea.”

“The sea! How big is that? Is it as big as my well?” and he took a leap from one side of the well to the other.

“My friend,” said the frog of the sea, “how do you compare the sea with your little well?”

Then the frog took another leap and asked, “Is your sea so big?”

“What nonsense you speak, to compare the sea with your well!”

“Well, then,” said the frog of the well, “nothing can be bigger than my well; there can be nothing bigger than this; this fellow is a liar, so turn him out.”

That has been the difficulty all the while.

I am a Hindu. I am sitting in my own little well and thinking that the whole world is my little well. The Christian sits in his little well and thinks the whole world is his well. The Mohammedan sits in his little well and thinks that is the whole world. I have to thank you of America for the great attempt you are making to break down the barriers of this little world of ours, and hope that, in the future, the Lord will help you to accomplish your purpose.

Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Address (Final Session)

Given below is the text of  Swami Vivekananda’s address at the final session of the World’s Parliament of Religions at Chicago on September 27, 1893. (Swami Vivekananda’s historic opening day address is here.)

The World’s Parliament of Religions has become an accomplished fact, and the merciful Father has helped those who laboured to bring it into existence, and crowned with success their most unselfish labour.

My thanks to those noble souls whose large hearts and love of truth first dreamed this wonderful dream and then realized it. My thanks to the shower of liberal sentiments that has overflowed this platform. My thanks to this enlightened audience for their uniform kindness to me and for their appreciation of every thought that tends to smooth the friction of religions. A few jarring notes were heard from time to time in this harmony. My special thanks to them, for they have, by their striking contrast, made general harmony the sweeter.

Much has been said of the common ground of religious unity. I am not going just now to venture my own theory. But if any one here hopes that this unity will come by the triumph of any one of the religions and the destruction of the others, to him I say, “Brother, yours is an impossible hope.” Do I wish that the Christian would become Hindu? God forbid. Do I wish that the Hindu or Buddhist would become Christian? God forbid.

The seed is put in the ground, and earth and air and water are placed around it. Does the seed become the earth, or the air, or the water? No. It becomes a plant. It develops after the law of its own growth, assimilates the air, the earth, and the water, converts them into plant substance, and grows into a plant.

Similar is the case with religion. The Christian is not to become a Hindu or a Buddhist, nor a Hindu or a Buddhist to become a Christian. But each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet preserve his individuality and grow according to his own law of growth.

If the Parliament of Religions has shown anything to the world, it is this: It has proved to the world that holiness, purity and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character. In the face of this evidence, if anybody dreams of the exclusive survival of his own religion and the destruction of the others, I pity him from the bottom of my heart, and point out to him that upon the banner of every religion will soon be written in spite of resistance: “Help and not fight,” “Assimilation and not Destruction,” “Harmony and Peace and not Dissension.”

Vande Mataram

Below is our beloved national song, Vande Mataram: the song that can fire an unspeakable love for our motherland in our hearts. It is followed by a wonderful translation by Sri Aurobindo.

वन्दे मातरम्

सुजलां सुफलां मलयजशीतलाम्
सस्य श्यामलां मातरंम् .
शुभ्र ज्योत्सनाम् पुलिकत यािमनीम्
फुल्ल कुसुिमत द्रुमदलशोभिनीम्,
सुहासिनीं सुमधुर भाषिणीम् .
सुखदां वरदां मातरम् ॥

सप्त कोटि कण्ठ कलकल निनाद कराले
द्विसप्त कोटि भुजैर्ध्रत खरकरवाले
के बोले मा तुमी अबले
बहुबल धारिणीम् नमामि तारिणीम्
रिपुदलवारिणीम् मातरम् ॥

तुमि विद्या तुमि धर्म, तुमि ह्रदि तुमि मर्म
त्वं हि प्राणाः शरीरे
बाहुते तुमि मा शक्ति,
हृदये तुमि मा भक्ति,
तोमारै प्रतिमा गडि मन्दिरे-मन्दिरे ॥

त्वं हि दुर्गा दशप्रहरणधारिणी
कमला कमलदल विहारिणी
वाणी विद्यादायिनी, नमामि त्वाम्
नमामि कमलां अमलां अतुलाम्
सुजलां सुफलां मातरम् ॥

श्यामलां सरलां सुस्मितां भूषिताम्
धरणीं भरणीं मातरम् ॥

Translation by Sri Aurobindo

Mother, I salute thee!
Rich with thy hurrying streams,
bright with orchard gleams,
Cool with thy winds of delight,
Green fields waving Mother of might,
Mother free.

Glory of moonlight dreams,
Over thy branches and lordly streams,
Clad in thy blossoming trees,
Mother, giver of ease
Laughing low and sweet!
Mother I kiss thy feet,
Speaker sweet and low!
Mother, to thee I bow.

Who hath said thou art weak in thy lands
When swords flash out in seventy million hands
And seventy million voices roar
Thy dreadful name from shore to shore?
With many strengths who art mighty and stored,
To thee I call Mother and Lord!
Thou who saves, arise and save!
To her I cry who ever her foe drove
Back from plain and sea
And shook herself free.

Thou art wisdom, thou art law,
Thou art heart, our soul, our breath
Thou art love divine, the awe
In our hearts that conquers death.
Thine the strength that nerves the arm,
Thine the beauty, thine the charm.
Every image made divine
In our temples is but thine.

Thou art Durga, Lady and Queen,
With her hands that strike and her
swords of sheen,
Thou art Lakshmi lotus-throned,
And the Muse a hundred-toned,
Pure and perfect without peer,
Mother lend thine ear,
Rich with thy hurrying streams,
Bright with thy orchard gleems,
Dark of hue O candid-fair

In thy soul, with jewelled hair
And thy glorious smile divine,
Loveliest of all earthly lands,
Showering wealth from well-stored hands!
Mother, mother mine!
Mother sweet, I bow to thee,
Mother great and free!

(Note: I found different versions of Vande Mataram, slightly differing from one another, but identical for the most part. The above is one of them. I apologize for any error in this regard.)

Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Address (Opening day)

Given below is the text of Swami Vivekananda’s address at the opening ceremony of the World’s Parliament of Religions at Chicago on September 11, 1893.

Sisters and Brothers of America,

It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us.

I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.

My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration.

I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true.

I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth.

I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny.

I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation.

I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings:

“As the different streams having their sources in different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”

The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita:

“Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.”

Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now.

But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

Our Motherland – 3

The Divine Mother

Nothing can be holier to us than this land. Every particle of dust, everything living or non-living, every stock and stone, tree and rivulet of this land is holy to us. To keep this intense devotion ever alive in the heart of every child of this soil, so many procedures and conventions were established here in the past. The various religious rites invariably included a description of the spot in relation to the entire expanse of BhAratavarsha-

जम्बुद्वीपे भरतवर्षे भरतखण्डे…

All our important religious ceremonies start with bhoomi-poojan-worship of earth. There is a custom that as soon as a Hindu wakes up in the morning, he begs forgiveness of the Mother Earth because he cannot help touching Her with his feet throughout the day.

समुद्रवसने देवी पर्वतस्तनमंडले ।

विष्णुपत्नी नमस्तुभ्यं पादस्पर्शं क्षमस्व मे ।।

(O Mother, the Divine Consort of Almighty, with ocean as Thy embroidery and mountains as Thy breasts, forgive me for touching Thee with my feet.)

A simple act indeed, but it brings home to our minds every morning the idea of devotion for this motherland as the sublimated devotion to the Divine Mother. This training has gone so deep that even in ordinary day-to-day affairs we often come across a flash of that realisation. When a child at play tramples on the ground, the mother says, “Do not kick the Mother Earth, dear child.” Or if a nail is driven into the earth wantonly, she says, “Oh, no! Dear child, Mother will be pained. ” An ordinary farmer, too, before applying the plough to the soil, prays for a pardon. Such is our living tradition.

Never, never has our land been dead inanimate matter, but always the living divine mother to all her children-the lowliest and the greatest.

SwAmi VivekAnanda, when about to leave England for BhArat, was asked what he thought of his motherland after having visited the luxuriant countries of the West like America and England. He said, “BhArat, I loved before. But now every particle of dust in BhArat is extremely holy. It has become a place of pilgrimage for me.”

There is one more touching instance of SwAmiji when he returned to our motherland after his triumphant tour of the West. A vast assembly of our countrymen eagerly awaited to offer a hero’s welcome to him. When the SwAmiji alighted from the ship and stepped on the Southern shores, a thunderous ovation greeted him. However, the people were amazed to see SwAmiji prostrating on the ground and showering his body with the dust of the soil. To the surprised query of some one, SwAmiji explained: “My body has been so long in the materialistic countries of the West and hence has become contaminated. I am therefore purifying myself with the dust of this holy soil.”

And his guru Sri RAmakrishna Paramahamsa once severely admonished a person who was going to GangA to wash himself after answering nature’s call. He said, “How unbecoming of you to pollute the divine waters of Ganga-Gangavari brahmavari-with your dirt!”

Such has been the living realisation of the glorious motherhood of our land inculcated by her great sons, which has permeated into all strata of our people.

She has been, in fact, the central theme of our national life all through. She has nourished us as the mother with her soil, air and water and all the various necessary objects for our sustenance and happiness. Like a father she has arranged protection to us through impregnable Himalayas in the north, and mountain ranges like ArAvali, Vindhya and SahyAdri interspersed all over the country that afforded our freedom-fighters protection and shelter in the past. And she has acted as our spiritual preceptor too in her capacity as Dharmabhoomi and Mokshabhoomi.

Verily, our motherland has been a mother, a father and a teacher- mAtA, pitA and guru – all rolled into one.

Note: These are excerpts from the Chapter titled “Our Motherland” in Sri M. S. Golwalkar‘s book, Bunch of Thoughts. Links to two previous posts from the same chapter are here and here.

Our Motherland – 2

Our forefathers were of the conviction that throughout the world this is the holiest of the lands where the least merit will bear fruit a hundred or thousand-fold. Swami Vivekananda has said, “If there is any land on this earth that can lay claim to be the blessed Punyabhoomi, to be the land to which every soul that is wending its way Godward must come to attain its last home, it is Bharat.”

This is verily the chosen land of God Realisation. This is not mere sentimental effusion, but our deep-rooted conviction. Some years ago our newspapers had flashed the story of a German who came to our land as a spiritual aspirant. He embraced sanyas and underwent the stern austerities of an all-renouncing ascetic. But even after prolonged penance he could not realise God. On a searching self-enquiry he was convinced that his body, born and bred in the passionate climate of the West, was unfit for God Realisation. He therefore went to Haridwar and gave up his body in the holy Ganga. He left a note stating, “I am giving up the body of my own accord. May the offering of my body in the sacred waters of Ganga merit me with a rebirth in Bharat and with that new chaste body I may be able to realize God.”

It was given to the great sons of this soil to see and realise God in His full effulgence. The Vedic Rishis addressed mankind as the children of Immortal Bliss-

शृणवन्तु विश्वे अमृतस्य पुत्रा आ ये धामानि दिव्यानि तस्थुः

and declared in thundering tones:

वेदाहमेतं पुरुषं महान्तमादित्यवर्ण तमसः परस्तात् ।
तमेव विदित्वातिमृत्युमेति नान्यः पंथा विद्यतेयनाय ।।

(I have seen that Great One, Lustrous and beyond all darkness. Having known Him, man is emancipated from the cycle of birth and death, there is no other way to final salvation.)

There is no parallel in the rest of the world literature to these expressions for their supreme self-confidence and self-realisations. Again nowhere else can you find the parallel of a Sri Krishna who speaks in the first person ‘I’ as God Himself in His immortal soul-stirring call to mankind-the Bhagavad-Gita.

Tradition continues

Nor is this unique feature of our land confined to ancient tradition only. Even in modern times there is the instance of Narendra’s (later, Swami Vivekananda) historic meeting with Sri Ramkrishna. As a young and brilliant college student, he had already dived deep into the philosophies of the East and the West. But his questioning spirit was not satisfied. He met various learned and pious men of his time. Even they could not quench his spiritual thirst. He came to know that there was a paramahamsa (liberated soul) in the temple of Dakshineswar. He went to him and bluntly posed him the question that had haunted him for years: “Sir’ have you seen God?” Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa replied without a moment’s hesitation: ” Yes, I see Him just as I see you here, only in a much more intense degree. And I can show Him to you also.” And Sri Ramakrishna fulfilled his promise to Narendra.

As we know, Narendra was a modern young man with a towering intellect and tremendous will-power. He was not the type to be mesmerised or hypnotised into blindly believing things. But he could not help being convinced about the reality of God when brought face to face with God Himself. Such is the living tradition of men of God, who have continuously held aloft the name of our land as the land of God Realisation, as Dharmabhoomi, as Mokshabhoomi.

No wonder that such a land with divinity ingrained in every speck of its dust, has been to us the holiest of the holy, the centre of our utmost devotion. And this devotion is felt for the whole of the land and not for any fraction of it. The worshipper of Shiva goes from Kashi to Rameshwaram, and the devotee of Vishnu in His various forms and Incarnations travels the whole length and breadth of this country. If he is an advaiti, the four ashrams of Shankaracharya standing as sentinels beckon him to the four corners of the country. If he is a Shakta, the worshipper of Shakti-the Divine Mother of the Universe-fifty-two are the places of his pilgrimage spreading from Hingula in Baluchistan to Kamakhya in Assam and Jwalamukhi in Himachal Pradesh to Kanyakumari in the South. It only means that this land is the divine manifestation of the Mother of the Universe.

Note: These are excerpts taken from the Chapter titled “Our Motherland” in Sri M. S. Golwalkar‘s book, Bunch of Thoughts. A previous post from the same chapter is here.

Quotes to inspire one

When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be. (Patanjali)

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. (Oprah Winfrey)

Praise does wonders for the sense of hearing. (Unknown)

Look at a stone cutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred-and-first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not the last blow that did it, but all that had gone before. (Jacob A. Riis)

If you tell people where to go, but not how to get there, you’ll be amazed at the results. (Gen. George Patton)

What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail? (Dr. Robert Schuller)

No great man ever complains of want of opportunities. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind. (Seneca)

I will govern my life and thoughts as if the whole world were to see the one and read the other. (Seneca)

Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for. (Socrates)

What are the aims which are at the same time duties? They are the perfecting of ourselves, and the happiness of others. (Immanuel Kant)

Man only learns in two ways- one, by reading; and the other by association with smarter people. (Will Rogers)

Circumspection in calamity; mercy in greatness; good speeches in assemblies; fortitude in adversity- these are the self-attained perfections of great souls. (Hitopadesha)

Grace under pressure

Dr. Martin Luther King once said in a speech, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” So true. What we are as human beings presents itself more fully in times of adversity than at times of ease. Anyone can be positive, polite and kind when things are going well. What distinguishes people with an extraordinary character from the rest of us is how they respond when life sends one of its inevitable curves. They don’t crumble or surrender. They reach deeply into themselves and present even more of their highest nature to the world.

No life is perfect. We must all face challenges, both large and small. This very minute, somewher in the world, there are parents dealing with the death of a child. This very minute, someone has suffered an accident that will devastate their loved ones. This very minute, there are human beings dealing with illness in a hospital bed. Sickness, loss, disappointment. No one gets through life without experiencing this stuff. But you and I have the power to choose to rise above our external circumstances. We always have the choice to be strong and positive when things fall apart. We have the right to use our stumbling blocks as stepping stones to our greatest life. This isn’t motivational sloganeering. I believe this is truth.

Note: The above paragraphs are excerpts from Robin Sharma‘s amazingly inspirational and thought-provoking book, The Greatness Guide. Other posts containing passages from the same book are here: Post 1 and Post 2. It might be a wise idea to buy the book and read each one of the 101 lessons presented therein.

Become an Inspirational Human Being

Note: The following are excerpts from a lesson titled “Become an Inspirational Human Being” in Robin Sharma’s amazing book, The Greatness Guide.

I dropped my son off at school the other day and was amused by what he did when he walked into his classroom. He passed one of his buddies and said: “Why so glum, chum?”. His friend, who had been looking very serious, looked up. Both kids broke into laughter. Got me smiling. Then it got me thinking.

Greatness in business as well as in life comes by being an inspirational human being. We need to uplift people by our attitude and our very presence. When we see someone feeling down or experiencing a struggle or doubting their potential or in need of a kind word, it’s our duty to help them, perhaps by asking, “Why so glum, chum?”

The best way to lead and elevate another human being is to model the behavior you wish to see. The best way to influence others is to lead by example. You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your words. Extraordinary humans live their message. They walk their talk. And above all, they are inspirational. Are you?

What would the organizations we work for and the communities we live in and the planet we walk look like if each and every one of us did our part to be inspirational leaders each day? We can curse the darkness or we can light a candle. And the world needs more light. Shine. Today.

Be Wildly Enthusiastic

“Be enthusiastic” smacks of the obvious. “Be energetic” sounds trite. “Be passionate” seems boring. Yet without enthusiasm, energy and passion, you cannot lead your field and an organization cannot get to world class.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is due to the triumph of enthusiasm.”

The people I love to be around are generally those that have a simple, heartfelt quality: They are enthusiastic. Wildly so. They are open to life. They are curious. They love to learn. They smile when they see me. And they have a lot of fun.

Today, show up at work with all the enthusiasm you can genuinely muster. Be outrageously energetic and madly alive. See the best in people. See the opportunity for learning and personal evolution amidst a seeming setback. Embrace change as a chance to grow. Have a laugh with a teammate. Spread some passion.

I’ll be the first one to agree that you can’t control what happens to you each day. But with an abundance of enthusiasm, I have no doubt whatever the coming hours bring, you will handle them with grace, strength and a smile.

Note: The above are excerpts from a lesson titled “Be Wildly Enthusiastic” from Robin Sharma’s excellent book, The Greatness Guide. Here are links to Robin Sharma’s website and his blog.

Inspiration from Robin Sharma

Hey, this paragraph is from Robin Sharma’s book, Daily Inspiration from The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. I’ve read only part of it till now. Will read more of it soon.

Under the category “Extraordinary Achievement” Robin Sharma writes:

All progress comes from unreasonable people, people who follow their hearts and the instructions of their consciences rather than the commands of the crowd. All progress has come from risk-takers and men and women who were willing to visit the places that scared them. Greatness arrives once you refuse to buy into what others see as impossible.

Read Robin Sharma’s website for more inspirational sayings.