SHREYO HI GYANAM ABHYSAT

Most of us are overly stuffed with material aspirations and want the world for ourselves and our near & dear ones. It is important to seek a balance b/w the material and spiritual, inside and outside, the gross and the subtle and create a situation of peace and harmony all around. Performance of good Karmas must get the highest priority in our scheme of things and we must always show an eagerness to give more than what we take from others. We must also be aware that we owe a debt to nature that provides for our sustenance and leave this world a better place to live in.

In order to act and conduct ourselves in this manner, certain basic issues need to be understood. The most important of all is to establish our reputation as good human beings. Being good is a very simple and a common phrase extensively used by practically everyone in this world. Interestingly, while we expect everyone to be good to us, we are little slow when it comes to us being good to others. Goodness comes in a variety of ways and must surely become a habit. A good human being also spreads happiness all around. Goodness is intrinsic and is not a superficial syndrome.

Conquering Mount Everest is difficult and calls for grit and determination but it is a one time effort. Conquering yourself and your elephantine ego and exhibiting goodness and good behaviour to all without exception, perhaps requires greater effort of mind and matter. In fact it requires great strength of character and certain attributes.

In addition to a happy and comfortable existence, many of us are hungry for power, fame and glory.

There are some who nurture ambitions of becoming a powerful leader. There are some who wish to seek excellence in a particular field of human activity that may or may not create great value and benefit at large.

A very small proportion of people who realize that the material world in every form is a mirage and ephemeral, pursue the spiritual path, either by renouncing the world or by leading their life in a detached manner.

In order to understand and select one's true calling in life, one of course has to listen to the voice of reason but more important than thanks is to listen to the voice of our inner consciousness. That voice will reverberate in our intellect only when we have succeeded in silencing all other disturbing sounds that keep hitting our consciousness and meditation that transcend all other voices comes in. We may refer to this as "Dhyanyog" which really must begin with the time that we spend with the self. Our daily life, how many of us do that and how much?????

Dhyan or meditation has been given a pride of place in The Gita, Chapter 12, verse 12:

"Shreyo Hi Gyanam Abhysat

Gyanat Dhyanam Vishishyate

Dhyanat Karanphatyag

Tygat Shanti Anantram"

Knowledge is better than practice, meditation is superior to knowledge, giving up rewards of one's Karma is superior to meditation, because renunciation leads to permanent peace and bliss. 

Regular practice of meditation and spending quality time with the self and within self bring awareness. It helps us to make an intelligent choice of our Karmas, evaluate them and creates positive energy all around.

* Nature has created everyone as equal & indeed treats every one and so should we.

*Our material aspirations do not leave us till the last breath. We need to create a balance b/w our worldly desires basic needs & spiritual calling.

The Bhagwadgita in Chapter 16, verse 21:

"Trividham Narkasya Idam

Dwatam Nashanam Atmana

Kam Krodha Totha Lobha

Tasmat Aitat Tryam Tyajet"

Lust, anger & greed are 3 doors to hell and also degrade our soul. One should therefore, abandon them completely.

*Anger which primarily explodes because of non- fulfillment of our worldly desires must be completely removed out of our system.

*Let us lead our life on the basis of our basic needs and jettison greed or avarice completely.

* Jealousy unfermines our position & damages our reputation beyond repair. Let us conciously replace this emotion with love for everybody.

*Cheerfulness is the first sign of a noble soul. It adds to your attractiveness & improves your physical and intellectual well- being.

*It is important to feel happy within. This will ensure a perpetual smile on your face and that will literally enhance your face value.

*It is extremely important to be honest and show great sense of intellectual honesty in all your dealings.

*Have the courage of your own convictions and do not borrow it from others.

*Simplicity is the hallmark of all great people. Let us consciously live our life in as simple a manner as possible.

*All of us are essentially spiritual beings and an integral part of the grand design of nature. You must set apart some time for the study of the spiritual texts. Even if you find it uninteresting in the beginning, it will give you a peep into your real self and guide you on the path of righteousness.

*One must consciously avoid blaming and criticizing others just for the sake of it.

*It is essential to work on building our memory. It is advisable also to consciously create selective amnesia.

While every individual has the potential to reach great heights in his/her respective area of activity, it is extremely important to do so on the basis of one's own strengths and the courage of one's own convictions and not ride on the bandwagon driven & played by others.