What am I wearing: My own creation.
30 January, 2011
Love at First site
Have you come across certain blogs, with which you have "Love at first site" kind of relationship? Please do mention them in the comments section.
Mostly people visit certain blogs as as obligation. You feel obliged to go and comment on a blog as reciprocating thing. Or you want to have some 50 comments under your each blog post, so you randomly visit some 50 blogs a day and without even reading a blog, write a comment like- "Nice post", "interesting", bla bla bla.
I have been ranting about my favorite bloggers so far. To my old readers, that is no breaking news.
But the breaking news is 3 more additional blogs with which I fell in Love at the very first site. They deserve a mention here.
I would not rant and describe them in detail but just give you a link below, for you to read and visit and decide on your own. Here are the 3 blogs that have recently caught my attention.
1. Tashrin
2. Second Skin Style
3. Sea Of Shoes
Yes all of them are fashion blog.
Which are your top favorite blogs?
Mostly people visit certain blogs as as obligation. You feel obliged to go and comment on a blog as reciprocating thing. Or you want to have some 50 comments under your each blog post, so you randomly visit some 50 blogs a day and without even reading a blog, write a comment like- "Nice post", "interesting", bla bla bla.
I have been ranting about my favorite bloggers so far. To my old readers, that is no breaking news.
But the breaking news is 3 more additional blogs with which I fell in Love at the very first site. They deserve a mention here.
I would not rant and describe them in detail but just give you a link below, for you to read and visit and decide on your own. Here are the 3 blogs that have recently caught my attention.
1. Tashrin
2. Second Skin Style
3. Sea Of Shoes
Yes all of them are fashion blog.
Which are your top favorite blogs?
29 January, 2011
Receding Winters
Finally winters seem to be receding and I am coming out of my layers and layers of clothes, am shivering less, looking less like an eskimo, basking a little in some sunshine. In fact, as if sub consciously, I do not want to face winters again, I gave away my warmest winter jacket which helped me sail through these winters. Now, I have switched to wearing light woolens and probably a shawl/stole over it.
So here is me, welcoming and looking forward to summers. I feel like singing-
Winter Winter, Go Away
Never come another day
Little Kiran wants to play.
(I hope you know which nursery rhyme have I twisted and jumbled up here)
What am I wearing
Tunic Top/Dress: My own creation
So here is me, welcoming and looking forward to summers. I feel like singing-
Winter Winter, Go Away
Never come another day
Little Kiran wants to play.
(I hope you know which nursery rhyme have I twisted and jumbled up here)
What am I wearing
Tunic Top/Dress: My own creation
26 January, 2011
25 January, 2011
24 January, 2011
Lindy Hop/Swing- First time in Delhi
Fitnesolution, in New Delhi, has always been a pioneer in fitness. We have always been the one to bring new forms. Our classes have been most innovative. We have also started a batch of Lindy Hop/Swing. It is so energetic and fun. Amazing cardio workout. Great form of dance.
Ballet
We have started Ballet class in my studio for adults. The ballet teacher is just so awesome. She is incredible. Before proceeding to very technical and difficult stuff, she is working on everyone's flexibility and little technique. Today, I also did my first ballet class with her. And it felt so good. Each of my joint loosened up. I was surprised that i could do it. The teacher is taking it slow. I loved it. First have a look at my teacher.
And here are pictures of the first class by the same, very young, fabulous teacher. It was a jam packed class very first day. But quite a number of people were shy of being shot. So, they have not been shown in the pictures.
23 January, 2011
Girlfriend
For women, sometimes it is more important to have girlfriends than boyfriends. Less heartaches and lots of girlie talk and fun. That is why my heart to heart talks are with my sister, who is miles and continents away. What do I have to do, to tell her- Please come back. We miss you.
Anyways, this blogpost is about my girlfriend.
She is a famous journalist, has been an anchor with star news. Like me, she also dances Tango. We both love shopping, traveling, and have never ending chit chat about anything and everything. But tomorrow, she leaves for a project to Pondicherry for 15 days. So tonight, till 1.30 AM, we thought of some photo shoot together. Here is a glimpse of it.
Anyways, this blogpost is about my girlfriend.
She is a famous journalist, has been an anchor with star news. Like me, she also dances Tango. We both love shopping, traveling, and have never ending chit chat about anything and everything. But tomorrow, she leaves for a project to Pondicherry for 15 days. So tonight, till 1.30 AM, we thought of some photo shoot together. Here is a glimpse of it.
22 January, 2011
21 January, 2011
Bliss comes out of chaos and the ability to enjoy chaos is enlightenment.
Q: Can you talk about the greatness of Valmiki ji and that period of time? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Valmiki ji was one of the contemporaries of Sri Rama. Many scriptures in the world were written much after the physical presence of the Master, but Valmiki wrote Ramayana at the very period when it happened. There was no division of casts in the society at that time. Honesty, human values and belongingness were so strongly rooted then. Q: World is suffering so much because of religious fanaticism. Can you speak on that? How would you want us to take a stand on it? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You know, the world once was a beautiful place to live in where all would celebrate diversity. But what happened that caused so much division? I would want all to rise above the differences and move ahead. Whatever your attitude is from outside but have that naturalness from inside. Have the skill to create belongingness with all. Q: Sometimes our tasks do not get accomplished because of lack of Sattva(Luck factor). Can you please talk on that and how do we enhance that? And how do we bring that harmony back among ourselves which, you said, once was there in the society? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Do you all have cell phone? How does it work? First, it is to be fully charged. But if is charged but no Sim card! So you need a sim card, and then you need to be in the range of the tower. When all three are there, the cell phone works then only. Similarly, for life to be successful three things are required: Seva, Satsang and Kripa(grace). Know that you have abundance of grace with you, and God is your very own. Satsang is the charger and Seva is the sim card. What happens with Seva? When you do Seva, you gain blessings and those blessings add strength to your life. And then Sadhana(Practices)? What is Sadhana – Which makes you establish connection with the Self, with the Divine, that infinite power. Q: Can you talk a little about the God? How do I feel connected to the Divinity? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Just a conviction, I belong to Divine, who so ever is Divine! Divine principle is not someone in the sky. Inside you in the form of consciousness! Q: What are the pillars of Society to make it strong? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Four pillars of society! First one is economy system (Industry and business), second is religious and spiritual base, and third is Politics. And there is one more…and what’s that? I leave it to you to think over. Q: How do I gain more and more knowledge in the world? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Every instant we are getting something to learn from the whole world. All that is needed is awareness! Each individual is a beautiful Scripture designed by God. Study your own mind and then observe the minds of people around. What do we do? We don’t observe our own mind but we keep on wasting efforts in judging others’ mind. First, understand your own mind and then you will be able to understand what’s happening in the big mind, in the minds of all. You know, whomsoever I meet in the world, I feel that belongingness. I never feel I am meeting someone for the first time. So many times we have come to this World. I know a little bit, but you have forgotten. Keep smiling this time. Q: I want to bring a social transformation. I understand that the work needs to be done on the very roots of individuals, which are changing but I do not how to go ahead with this. I appreciate the spiritual awakening and social awareness that the ‘Art of Living’ is creating but as I am new to this, can you please guide how to move ahead? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Yes, you can bring social transformation. The spirit needs to be strengthened. Your spirits is very ancient and pay some attention to that also. Those who are devoid of spiritual knowledge are like undernourished people. Dividing in the list of priorities, the first policy is to strengthen one’s very roots, having that sense of proud in ones very roots. Q: Can you talk about the complexes that are rooted in the mind of some children, may be because some historical events or past life? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: When you think good of yourself, you think ill of others, and when you think others’ are good, you think you are not ok. Such complexes are there in many children today. So the attitude that neither I am bad nor anybody else is bad gives such a sense of acceptance of everybody and your own self. Sadhana enables one deprogram all past programming. |
Posted: 19 Jan 2011 08:53 AM PST Q: Today is Porsha poornima. Are there any stories aboout Porsha poornima? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This porsha poornima is the first poornima of the harvest in South India, so people exchange all that they have harvested, they give - exchange. It is also called the full moon of the forest. In the north when there is snow, the leaves are gone. So the full moon is visible. Honoring the forest, nature, vegetables…. Q: How can one transform moha into love? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Moha means I want something back. Love is only how I can be useful. Q: How to arrive at what my dharma is? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Gut feeling, if it feels right, this is what I should do. Q: How to deal with craving for attention? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Next :) Q: I feel close to you but the closer I get to you, I seem to face tougher situations sometimes, is this something related to Guru mandala? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Longing brings out a lot of creativity in you. It can bring out a lot of poems. Longing is Radha shakti….Krishna. Be very fortunate. Q: Is it ok to forego discipline to experience immense love? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: They go together. Discipline has to be followed. I have spoken about this in Narad Bhakti Sutra. Q: Why is Krishna known as poorna avatar? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: There are many aspects of Krishna which are complete. I have spoken about it in Krishna - absolute joy. Q: Can the soul come to the same world or can we born in other worlds too? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: All possibilities are open. Q: Why have miracles stopped happening in my life? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It is taking a little nap for you to exp the contrast. Q: Isn’t insincere praise same as pleasant lies? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Why should your praise be insincere? Your praise cud be a blessing. Blessings are for the future only. So u can praise someone as a blessing. If someone is stingy, you say….. That praise can become a future blessing. Q: Is it possible to be both ethical and practical? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Yes. Your yukti should be like the salt in the food - just a little bit salt in your business. If there is too much salt, it becomes like food in the salt. Q: I am a professor at IIT. Other professors are averse to ..., how should I ..? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Don't recognize their aversion, you keep doing what you should do. Don’t try to convince someone out of the way. Keep your conviction. Every soul needs spirituality. If they are refusing ,then it is only at the surface. Q: What about people who haven’t come to you yet? Something abt moksha… Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: They will come in sometime. |
{Knowledge Sheet} Subject: Bhagwad Geeta will give you solace when life seems to be a battle
Have the sankalpa: I am happy, contented and don't need anything. When you are free, bliss follows you.” -Sri Sri...
Subject: Consciousness
Q: What happens to the consciousness of a person when it dies? Does it enter another body or get dissolved in the universal consciousness?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It is both. A part of the consciousness is all pervading and a part remains. It is like the air in the balloon, it is trapped in the impressions, and then it comes back.
Q: These practices bring so much inner comfort. If I do a lot of practice, will it make me more happy?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Don’t do too much of practice. Move ahead gradually. Do only as much as needed. Do that much to which your body gets accustomed to. You should not start doing 10 hours of practice all of a sudden.
Q: What is the difference between Ashtavakra Geeta and Bhagwad Geeta?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: One was sung in a royal palace and other in a battle field. You yourself see now what the difference is. It is like a song having different tunes. Both have their own value. When life seems to be a battle, Bhagwad Geeta will give you solace, and then Ashtavakra Geeta.
Q: My husband has yet not done the ‘Art of Living’ course. I want him to experience the same joy and knowledge. I have persuaded him by all means. Please guide me what to do now?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You pray. It will happen.
Q: I started doing spiritual practices when I was 17 years old. I have tried many practices. After long practice of meditation, I have had many out of body experiences. At certain stage, my mind became dysfunctional and I was frightened. Can you please guide me?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Some people try different techniques, they try to learn everything being taught anywhere, and end up making a chaos out of it. That is why, all this happens. The path which is being guided here is very safe. Do as much as needed. If you try to follow all kinds of techniques, it creates a problem.
Q: Will I have more experiences?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Experience happens on its own, but don’t hanker for experiences.
Q: How to keep the God and world together?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: How can you keep them together? They are already one. Where is the question of combining them? In the nature of form, it is world, and same is God in its formless nature. You don’t have to do anything to bring them together.
Q: How can I be a selfless devotee? I have been doing business with you till now. What step should I take to be the same?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This wish has arisen in you, so take it for granted that it has already started. I don’t mind even if you do business. Anyway, you would be getting much more than you give. Live joyfully. You wouldn’t encounter any loss even if you do business.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It is both. A part of the consciousness is all pervading and a part remains. It is like the air in the balloon, it is trapped in the impressions, and then it comes back.
Q: These practices bring so much inner comfort. If I do a lot of practice, will it make me more happy?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Don’t do too much of practice. Move ahead gradually. Do only as much as needed. Do that much to which your body gets accustomed to. You should not start doing 10 hours of practice all of a sudden.
Q: What is the difference between Ashtavakra Geeta and Bhagwad Geeta?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: One was sung in a royal palace and other in a battle field. You yourself see now what the difference is. It is like a song having different tunes. Both have their own value. When life seems to be a battle, Bhagwad Geeta will give you solace, and then Ashtavakra Geeta.
Q: My husband has yet not done the ‘Art of Living’ course. I want him to experience the same joy and knowledge. I have persuaded him by all means. Please guide me what to do now?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You pray. It will happen.
Q: I started doing spiritual practices when I was 17 years old. I have tried many practices. After long practice of meditation, I have had many out of body experiences. At certain stage, my mind became dysfunctional and I was frightened. Can you please guide me?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Some people try different techniques, they try to learn everything being taught anywhere, and end up making a chaos out of it. That is why, all this happens. The path which is being guided here is very safe. Do as much as needed. If you try to follow all kinds of techniques, it creates a problem.
Q: Will I have more experiences?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Experience happens on its own, but don’t hanker for experiences.
Q: How to keep the God and world together?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: How can you keep them together? They are already one. Where is the question of combining them? In the nature of form, it is world, and same is God in its formless nature. You don’t have to do anything to bring them together.
Q: How can I be a selfless devotee? I have been doing business with you till now. What step should I take to be the same?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This wish has arisen in you, so take it for granted that it has already started. I don’t mind even if you do business. Anyway, you would be getting much more than you give. Live joyfully. You wouldn’t encounter any loss even if you do business.
Guruji's Knowledge Sheet: Compassion & Karma
There are two types of compassion. One is the compassion of the wise, one is that of the ignorant.
An ignorant person's compassion is on the fruit of an action whereas a wise person's compassion is towards the non-availability of knowledge. Compassion for suffering shows ignorance. Suffering comes because of karma, and if you believe in karma, where is compassion? One reaps the fruit of one's actions.
If a judge has compassion for all the offenders then the jails will be empty. At the same time, are the judges cruel to the offenders? No; the judges' compassion is for the non-availability of knowledge, not for the suffering of the criminals. It is their karma.
Often people think compassion is an act, an action. Know that compassion is your very nature. Then you will see that karma and compassion are not contradictory but complement each other.
Suppose two people come to a hospital. One is suffering from starvation, the other is ill from overeating. What type of compassion should the doctor have towards each of them? This is a riddle for you to solve!
- Sri Sri
Guru of Joy!
Guruji would gather his friends and play game of Buddha. He will ask everyone to walk in line and say Buddham Sharanam Gachhami. If someone mispronounced, he would keep correcting them.
An ignorant person's compassion is on the fruit of an action whereas a wise person's compassion is towards the non-availability of knowledge. Compassion for suffering shows ignorance. Suffering comes because of karma, and if you believe in karma, where is compassion? One reaps the fruit of one's actions.
If a judge has compassion for all the offenders then the jails will be empty. At the same time, are the judges cruel to the offenders? No; the judges' compassion is for the non-availability of knowledge, not for the suffering of the criminals. It is their karma.
Often people think compassion is an act, an action. Know that compassion is your very nature. Then you will see that karma and compassion are not contradictory but complement each other.
Suppose two people come to a hospital. One is suffering from starvation, the other is ill from overeating. What type of compassion should the doctor have towards each of them? This is a riddle for you to solve!
- Sri Sri
Guru of Joy!
Guruji would gather his friends and play game of Buddha. He will ask everyone to walk in line and say Buddham Sharanam Gachhami. If someone mispronounced, he would keep correcting them.
SUTRA: "You are on this planet for a few years only, do something good and go with a smile!" ~ Sri Sri
7 wonders of Bangalore City.
Jai Gurudev,
A wonderful opportunity has come our way to
Vote for Vishalakshi Mantap as one of the 7 wonders of Bangalore City.
All you need to do is
sms bang7name of the structure to 58888
that is bang7 to 58888.
A wonderful opportunity has come our way to
Vote for Vishalakshi Mantap as one of the 7 wonders of Bangalore City.
All you need to do is
sms bang7
that is bang7
or go to this link
19 January, 2011
Guruji's Knowledge Sheet: Eliminating Karma
Strange are the ways of Karma. The more you understand it, the more amazed you become. It brings people together and separates them. It causes some to be weak and some to be strong. It makes some rich and some poor. All the struggle in the world, whatever it may be, is the bondage of Karma. It cuts across all logic and reasoning. This understanding will lift you from getting stuck to the events or personalities and help you in your Journey to the Self.
Question: So a thief can say it is my karma to steal?
Answer: Then the police have the karma to catch him too! (Laughter)
Only human life has the ability to be free from Karma. And only a few thousands aim to be free from it. Only through Grace can the bondage of Karma be burnt. Performing actions cannot eliminate Karma.
- Sri Sri
~ ~ ~
Guru of Joy!
Before eating anything, even if it was chocolate, guruji would 1st close his eyes, offer it to God and say Thank you. As a child his favorite words are “Close your eyes & keep a smile on your face “ They still are.
Question: So a thief can say it is my karma to steal?
Answer: Then the police have the karma to catch him too! (Laughter)
Only human life has the ability to be free from Karma. And only a few thousands aim to be free from it. Only through Grace can the bondage of Karma be burnt. Performing actions cannot eliminate Karma.
- Sri Sri
~ ~ ~
Guru of Joy!
Before eating anything, even if it was chocolate, guruji would 1st close his eyes, offer it to God and say Thank you. As a child his favorite words are “Close your eyes & keep a smile on your face “ They still are.
SUTRA: "You become a perfect instrument of the Divine, when you become hollow and empty." ~ Sri Sri...
18 January, 2011
Guruji's Knowledge Sheet: Sanchit & Prarabdha Karma
Some karma can be changed and some cannot.
When you prepare halwa, if sugar is less or ghee is less, water more or less, it can all be adjusted, repaired. But once soji is cooked, it cannot be reversed.
If the buttermilk is sour, milk can be added, salt can be added to make it drinkable. But it can never be reversed back to milk.
Prabdha karma cannot be changed. Sanchita karma can be changed by spiritual practices. Satsang burns the seed of all negative karma.
When you praise someone, you take on their good karma. When you blame someone you take on their bad karma.
Know this and surrender both good and bad karma to the Divine and be free.
- Sri Sri
~ ~ ~
Guru of Joy!
Guruji studied under Pandit Sudhakar Chaturvedi & by 17, he completed Vedic Literature & also received his degree in modern physics.
When you prepare halwa, if sugar is less or ghee is less, water more or less, it can all be adjusted, repaired. But once soji is cooked, it cannot be reversed.
If the buttermilk is sour, milk can be added, salt can be added to make it drinkable. But it can never be reversed back to milk.
Prabdha karma cannot be changed. Sanchita karma can be changed by spiritual practices. Satsang burns the seed of all negative karma.
When you praise someone, you take on their good karma. When you blame someone you take on their bad karma.
Know this and surrender both good and bad karma to the Divine and be free.
- Sri Sri
~ ~ ~
Guru of Joy!
Guruji studied under Pandit Sudhakar Chaturvedi & by 17, he completed Vedic Literature & also received his degree in modern physics.
Better realize your stupidity...
If you think you are stupid
Then...you know who you are.
And if you know who you are...
You are enlightened!
And if you are enlightened,
Then ...you are certainly not stupid .
If you think you are intelligent,
Then you don’t know who you are.
And if don’t know who you are...
Then you really ARE stupid!
Better realize your stupidity...and Be enlightened!!!!!!...
Then...you know who you are.
And if you know who you are...
You are enlightened!
And if you are enlightened,
Then ...you are certainly not stupid .
If you think you are intelligent,
Then you don’t know who you are.
And if don’t know who you are...
Then you really ARE stupid!
Better realize your stupidity...and Be enlightened!!!!!!...
SUTRA: "With the calmness, talents simply comes, intuition comes, beauty comes, peace comes. Love springs up & then comes Prosperity" ~ Sri Sri...
Your Quest: Ask your questions to Sri Sri...
Another fashion post
Past few days, I have been intending to do my fashion posts but somehow could not. Reasons-
1. Laziness
2. In the extreme cold, I have always been bundled up
3. Few occasions, where I really did dress up, were just so elite and full of politicians and page three crowd, that it was not appropriate for me to get myself clicked. So I demurely stood, enjoying the wowww ambience, chit chat, etc etc.
4. Lots of work and Tango practice.
But tonight, I was determined to self click myself before I tucked in cozily after attending another fabulous do.
And yes, this is a picture, just inside my perfectly heated room. For venturing out, I was again bundled up.
1. Laziness
2. In the extreme cold, I have always been bundled up
3. Few occasions, where I really did dress up, were just so elite and full of politicians and page three crowd, that it was not appropriate for me to get myself clicked. So I demurely stood, enjoying the wowww ambience, chit chat, etc etc.
4. Lots of work and Tango practice.
But tonight, I was determined to self click myself before I tucked in cozily after attending another fabulous do.
And yes, this is a picture, just inside my perfectly heated room. For venturing out, I was again bundled up.
Lace Skirt, Chiffon and lace Top, Owl Necklace: Forever 21
Sandals: Burberry
Watch: Chanel
Bhagvad Geeta
Everyone must read Bhagvad Geeta everyday ~ Sri Sri...Read in English here link.
Guruji's Knowledge Sheet: Judjement & Company
Though you have heard "don't judge," judgement comes unavoidably in day-to-day life. By the actions and behaviors of people, you either approve or disapprove. But always remember that everything is changing, and do not hold onto the judgement. Otherwise your judgement gets solidified like a rock. It brings misery for you and for others.
If judgements are lighter like air, like a breeze, they bring in fragrance, then move away. They could bring a foul smell, then move away. They should not stay there forever.
Judgements are so subtle that you are not even aware of their existence. Judging or labeling someone as judgmental is also a judgement. Only in the state of Being when you are full of love and compassion can you ever be free from all judgements.
Yet the world cannot move without judgements. Until you judge something as good or bad, you cannot do any actions. If you see rotten apples in the market, you say, "No good." Good ones you buy. If someone lies to you ten times, you think next time it also could be a lie. A judgment happens automatically.
See the possibility that people and things can change at any time and don't hold onto the judgements.
You need to judge your company. Your company can pull you up or pull you down. The company that drags you towards doubt, dejection, blame, complaints, anger, delusion, and desires is bad company. The company that pulls you up towards joy, enthusiasm, service, love, trust, and Knowledge is good company.
When someone complains, first you listen, then you nod, then you sympathize, then you complain.
Robert says, "Join the party." Denise says, "I confess, you are absolutely right." (Laughter)
Your company can create Hell for you in Heaven -- or Heaven for you in Hell. Judge for yourself . . . !
- Sri Sri
If judgements are lighter like air, like a breeze, they bring in fragrance, then move away. They could bring a foul smell, then move away. They should not stay there forever.
Judgements are so subtle that you are not even aware of their existence. Judging or labeling someone as judgmental is also a judgement. Only in the state of Being when you are full of love and compassion can you ever be free from all judgements.
Yet the world cannot move without judgements. Until you judge something as good or bad, you cannot do any actions. If you see rotten apples in the market, you say, "No good." Good ones you buy. If someone lies to you ten times, you think next time it also could be a lie. A judgment happens automatically.
See the possibility that people and things can change at any time and don't hold onto the judgements.
You need to judge your company. Your company can pull you up or pull you down. The company that drags you towards doubt, dejection, blame, complaints, anger, delusion, and desires is bad company. The company that pulls you up towards joy, enthusiasm, service, love, trust, and Knowledge is good company.
When someone complains, first you listen, then you nod, then you sympathize, then you complain.
Robert says, "Join the party." Denise says, "I confess, you are absolutely right." (Laughter)
Your company can create Hell for you in Heaven -- or Heaven for you in Hell. Judge for yourself . . . !
- Sri Sri
{Daily Sutra} Subject: Karma dissolves
You sowed a coconut tree two years back and it has grown today. Same way, until the impression of your previous done karma is there on your mind, that karma manages to exist. That impression can only be erased through meditation, pranayama and service. All this is there on the mind only. Karma is nothing but an impression on the mind. When you wake up and see that mind is a part of you and it is your mind, but you are not your mind, and you have an untouched existence which is much greater than your mind, then all karma automatically dissolves.
{Knowledge Sheet} Subject: Embodiment of knowledge is Guru
{Knowledge Sheet} Subject: Embodiment of knowledge is Guru
Q: Dear Guruji, Guru Gobind Singh made warriors, each one of which was capable of handling many negative powers. What is your vision for the warriors that you are polishing?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: First, we are to fight against the evil of ignorance. There are so many problems in the society today – corruption, exploitation of environment, starvation, powers opposing spirituality, and anti humanity powers. These all have to be defeated.
Q: Is there anything beyond space?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Beyond space?me!
Q: I am in a dilemma. I used to revere Guru Granth Sahib as my Guru. But after meeting you, I have found the inner joy which I was looking for. Now I am confused whether to have faith in you as a Guru, or in the Granth Sahib?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Where is the dilemma? Guru Granth Sahib is a very sacred scripture. One should definitely respect it. Guru is not a person; Guru is knowledge, whether it is in a scripture, a person, or consciousness. That Guru tattva is to be revered and believed in. Our mind only creates complication, otherwise there is no dilemma. Guru Granth Sahib contains the crux of all scriptures. So, respect the scripture. There is no question of choosing here.
Mother is our first Guru.
School teacher is our second Guru.
Then music teacher is also a Guru.
And one who gives knowledge of the truth is Satguru.
When Guru tattva wakes up in life, it is not partially awakened, it stays completely. So, live naturally. Rejoice and live in love and joy.
Q: How can I get more happiness and joy from everywhere?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This race of more and more is killing us. More and more and more – How can I get more? Relax my dear. We don’t even have enough time to enjoy what we have. We should think how can I be more useful to the society, how can I serve more? One who is always thinking of getting something is like a beggar. Everything comes to the one who thinks how she/he can contribute more to the society. There won’t be any lack for such a person.
Q: My sister called me in the morning. She was crying because her son is suffering from an incurable disease, and his condition was not well. I could not be physically present there. I closed my eyes and prayed to you. At 4 o’clock in the evening, she called me saying that her son is doing well. All I want to know is how it is possible that I am sitting here and praying from here makes things better there?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This is a trade secret. It is easy to be popular but it is difficult to be a Guru. A Guru has responsibility along with.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: First, we are to fight against the evil of ignorance. There are so many problems in the society today – corruption, exploitation of environment, starvation, powers opposing spirituality, and anti humanity powers. These all have to be defeated.
Q: Is there anything beyond space?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Beyond space?me!
Q: I am in a dilemma. I used to revere Guru Granth Sahib as my Guru. But after meeting you, I have found the inner joy which I was looking for. Now I am confused whether to have faith in you as a Guru, or in the Granth Sahib?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Where is the dilemma? Guru Granth Sahib is a very sacred scripture. One should definitely respect it. Guru is not a person; Guru is knowledge, whether it is in a scripture, a person, or consciousness. That Guru tattva is to be revered and believed in. Our mind only creates complication, otherwise there is no dilemma. Guru Granth Sahib contains the crux of all scriptures. So, respect the scripture. There is no question of choosing here.
Mother is our first Guru.
School teacher is our second Guru.
Then music teacher is also a Guru.
And one who gives knowledge of the truth is Satguru.
When Guru tattva wakes up in life, it is not partially awakened, it stays completely. So, live naturally. Rejoice and live in love and joy.
Q: How can I get more happiness and joy from everywhere?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This race of more and more is killing us. More and more and more – How can I get more? Relax my dear. We don’t even have enough time to enjoy what we have. We should think how can I be more useful to the society, how can I serve more? One who is always thinking of getting something is like a beggar. Everything comes to the one who thinks how she/he can contribute more to the society. There won’t be any lack for such a person.
Q: My sister called me in the morning. She was crying because her son is suffering from an incurable disease, and his condition was not well. I could not be physically present there. I closed my eyes and prayed to you. At 4 o’clock in the evening, she called me saying that her son is doing well. All I want to know is how it is possible that I am sitting here and praying from here makes things better there?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This is a trade secret. It is easy to be popular but it is difficult to be a Guru. A Guru has responsibility along with.
World is a play and display of Prana/Life force
Today we will not talk about stress and stress relief. Neither about relationships but something much deeper!
Remember your age? Whatever it is 25- 30 years! Where were you before these 25-30 years? Where would you be after 50-60 or say 100 years :) Mumbai existed before you were born, this Ocean existed then too.
Do you remember how you entered your mother’s womb?
Do you remember how you came out in this world?
Until the age of five the child remembers his past birth. The child recognizes colors or says certain things but elders tend to overlook that.
You know, this whole universe is a play of Prana, the life force. Everything here has some life force. However, the units of Prana differ.
Stone (Pathar) has 1 unit of Prana
Water (Pani) has 2 units of Prana
Fire (Agni) has 3 units of Prana
Air(Hava) has 4 units of Prana
Ether (Akash) has 5 units of Prana
Animals and trees have 6 - 7 units of Prana
Human Being has 8 units of Prana. Hence he is called as ASHTAVASU. But humans are born with a possibility to blossom into a fully blossomed state. Lord Krishna has highest units of Prana – 16. That is why He is referred to as fully blossomed being
You often see that every GOD/ GODDESS travels on an animal. Goddess Durga riding on a tiger! It seems so imaginative. It doesn’t click to the intellect, but this is so scientific. Each animal brings certain cosmic vibrations on the planet. E.g. Peacock descends to the planet the vibrations of Goddess Saraswati (The Goddess of knowledge), Bull's body radiation brings Shiva Consciousness (The transformational and meditative aspect of nature). Right now all Devtas are here in this consciousness; all different energies are in this consciousness. All the mantras invite these auspicious vibrations.
Do you know the meanings of the months?
January, February….. November, December. You all keep saying the months and you don't know the meaning!
SEPTEMBER (SAPT + AMBAR): 7th sky
NOVEMBER (NAV + AMBAR): 9th Sky
Do you know which languages these months belong to?
Audience: English
Sri Sri : No, they are all derived from SANSKRIT. Sanskrit was the ONLY Original language that was prevalent in the universe in the start.
Feb is referred to as "Fag End"
March means "To Go Ahead". Iraq, Iran, Kurdistan everywhere they celebrate NEW YEAR in the month of March. In some less affected parts of India as well! So December (DASH + AMBAR: 10th sky) makes the 10th sky.
You are older than the names of month. Go deep in meditation to experience all this. Else keep it in back of mind that I am much older than my age. Sometime in life it will come to you.
Do you permit ME to remove the cap now? (GURUJI was wearing a beautiful cap at the start of the talk and lots of people had objected/ requested HIM to keep it on)
(The Satsang ends with a joyful 10 – 15 minutes of meditation vaporizing in few seconds and concluding soothing bhajans)
16 January, 2011
{Knowledge Sheet} Subject: Five levels of body that one exhibits
{Daily Sutra} Subject: 2 schools
There are two schools of thought. One is you visualize dream and work for it. Other school of thought says surrender everything to God, whatever God gives you is the best, and God will take care of everything for you. Where is the compatibility? They appear to be completely opposite. One is your own visualization, your own dream and your perseverance, and another is having trust in God and leaving everything on God. They appear to be incompatible but I would say they are very much compatible.
We all have five bodies. Our first body is our environment. If there is poison in the environment, this physical body cannot exist. That is called Annarasmaya kosha. Food is not only that you eat. Environment is also food. Air is food for our lungs. Water is also food. Heat or warmth is also a kind of food. If you are in a place where temperature is -40 degree centigrade, then no matter how much food you have but you won’t be able to exist. So, heat is food for our body. One of course is the food that we eat. Peace and joy are food for the soul. Our environment is our first body.
Second is Pranamaya kosha – the energy, life force. You can sense when energy is low and when energy is high. You go to a place where there is low energy, and you feel like running away. You go to a place of high energy, and you feel like staying there. How many of you had this experience?
You can feel the effect of eating fresh food and frozen food in your body. Fresh food has more prana, and frozen food has very little prana. Similary, you find a difference in eating fresh vegetables, and eating thoroughly baked and cooked vegetables. So, second is Pranamaya kosha.
Then is breath. You can nourish your body but if your body is not breathing, it will go under Earth or become ashes. Our physical body has value because of prana, because you are breathing. 90 percent of impurities in the body go out through the breath. Only 10 percent impurities are eliminated through urine, stool and sweat.
Then next is mind - Manmaya kosha, the thoughts in the mind. Are you aware of the thoughts happening in your mind?
Then comes Vigyanmaya kosha - Intuitive awareness or knowledge. That is fourth sheet of our body.
Fifth is the bliss. So these are the five levels of body that one exhibits.
Second is Pranamaya kosha – the energy, life force. You can sense when energy is low and when energy is high. You go to a place where there is low energy, and you feel like running away. You go to a place of high energy, and you feel like staying there. How many of you had this experience?
You can feel the effect of eating fresh food and frozen food in your body. Fresh food has more prana, and frozen food has very little prana. Similary, you find a difference in eating fresh vegetables, and eating thoroughly baked and cooked vegetables. So, second is Pranamaya kosha.
Then is breath. You can nourish your body but if your body is not breathing, it will go under Earth or become ashes. Our physical body has value because of prana, because you are breathing. 90 percent of impurities in the body go out through the breath. Only 10 percent impurities are eliminated through urine, stool and sweat.
Then next is mind - Manmaya kosha, the thoughts in the mind. Are you aware of the thoughts happening in your mind?
Then comes Vigyanmaya kosha - Intuitive awareness or knowledge. That is fourth sheet of our body.
Fifth is the bliss. So these are the five levels of body that one exhibits.
SUTRA: "Wanting perfection is not bad, if love is on top of the head! If bliss is there, then its all very nice, its all wonderful." ~ Sri Sri.
15 January, 2011
Happy Makar Sankranti and Pongal!!!
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar :
"Makar Sankranti is an occasion for spreading sweetness around you through expression and thought.
The traditional exchange of til gur (a mixture of sesame seeds and Jaggery) is symbolic of that.
May everyone retain this spirit of sweetness throughout the year."
14 January, 2011
Guruji's Knowledge Sheet: Jealousy
1. Know that the person that you are jealous or envious of has done
some good karma in the past and they are now reaping the fruit.
2. Take it as an inspiration to gain merit now.
3. Create a sense of belongingness with them. See that they are a
part of you.
4. Think of all you have that they don't have and feel grateful.
5. Ananda says, "Observe the sensations."
6. Join hands and form a team with them.
7. Realise that in the current of moving time all will perish.
8. Think of everyone that is jealous of you for what you have.
Stephano added: "And see that all that people envy you for has not
brought joy anyway."
9. Stephano: "Go and ask them 'are you happy?' "
Caroline: "And what if they say 'Yes?' " (Laughter!).
If the answer is "yes" then they must be in the Art of Living (Laughter!)
"What to do if others are jealous or envious of you?"
Ananda: "What to do if others are jealous or envious of you?"
1. Praise them in superlatives.
2. Create a sense of belongingness in them by your kind actions.
3. Know that their feelings are temporary.
4. The best is not to recognise their envy or jealousy at all. If you
recognise a feeling as a reality it only makes your ignorance grow.
5. Know all feelings and emotions are just like passing clouds.
6. Do not show off your talents to them.
7. Know that they are puppets. They will all perish like apples and
tomatoes - just a longer shelf-life (Laughter!).
If nothing else works just go to sleep (Shirley: "And don't forget to take a pillow").
- Sri Sri
~ ~ ~
Guru of Joy!
Once Shankaracharya visited Guruji’s home. When he saw Guruji he made him sit down & told parents, "your Child is Divine. He has come for a special purpose."
|| Jai Guru Dev ||
some good karma in the past and they are now reaping the fruit.
2. Take it as an inspiration to gain merit now.
3. Create a sense of belongingness with them. See that they are a
part of you.
4. Think of all you have that they don't have and feel grateful.
5. Ananda says, "Observe the sensations."
6. Join hands and form a team with them.
7. Realise that in the current of moving time all will perish.
8. Think of everyone that is jealous of you for what you have.
Stephano added: "And see that all that people envy you for has not
brought joy anyway."
9. Stephano: "Go and ask them 'are you happy?' "
Caroline: "And what if they say 'Yes?' " (Laughter!).
If the answer is "yes" then they must be in the Art of Living (Laughter!)
"What to do if others are jealous or envious of you?"
Ananda: "What to do if others are jealous or envious of you?"
1. Praise them in superlatives.
2. Create a sense of belongingness in them by your kind actions.
3. Know that their feelings are temporary.
4. The best is not to recognise their envy or jealousy at all. If you
recognise a feeling as a reality it only makes your ignorance grow.
5. Know all feelings and emotions are just like passing clouds.
6. Do not show off your talents to them.
7. Know that they are puppets. They will all perish like apples and
tomatoes - just a longer shelf-life (Laughter!).
If nothing else works just go to sleep (Shirley: "And don't forget to take a pillow").
- Sri Sri
~ ~ ~
Guru of Joy!
Once Shankaracharya visited Guruji’s home. When he saw Guruji he made him sit down & told parents, "your Child is Divine. He has come for a special purpose."
|| Jai Guru Dev ||
Link for Mantra chanting
{Daily Sutra} Subject: Intention
You take a vision or goal, and offer it to the Divine while working for that – “This is what I want and you know what is best for me. If this or anything better, I am ready to accept.” Sometimes you don’t know what you want. If you know what you want, it is not difficult to get it. Often you find if you are persistent to get something, you don’t want the same thing the next week, the next month or the next year. So, before you make an intention, expand your awareness. Put an intention in the universe - I want this or anything better.
{Knowledge Sheet} Subject: Conversation between a child and his teacher regarding God.
{Knowledge Sheet} Subject: Conversation between a child and his teacher regarding God.
Child: What is God? What is Divinity?
Teacher: Food is God.
So, the child went back and grew enough food. He understood the value of food and the effects of food on the body and mind. But then he thought, “food is not everything”. So, he again went to his teacher to ask the same.
Child: What is God? What is the supreme power that rules everything?
Teacher: The prana (Life force) is God. The breath is God.
The child went back and spent his time in understanding about prana - How life force is entering and leaving our body. He had understood it, climbed that step, and so he came to know that that was not all. So, he went to his teacher again with that authentic willingness to know.
Child: I have understood about Prana but I am not yet satisfied. Please tell me, what is Divine? What is God?
Teacher: The mind is God.
Then he spent his time studying and observing the mind, and found – ‘some good thoughts come in the mind, some bad thoughts come in the mind. There is mind sometimes and there is no mind at some other times’. After spending a good amount of time, he felt that there was something more, and mind is not all. So, he again went to the teacher, and asked the same question.
Teacher: Knowledge is God.
Then he contemplated about knowledge, but he was not really satisfied. Knowledge is of course very much needed to move ahead. But he still felt there was something more, there was no juice there. So, he went to his teacher for the last time and very humbly asked the same question.
Teacher: Bliss is Divine.
Then this boy went back, experienced bliss and all his questions disappeared by this time. He said that love and bliss is really nature of God.
Step by step, the teacher guided him on the path. That is why it is so important to take knowledge in the presence of a saint. It is more beneficial to listen from a Guru/Master because He doesn’t speak on the level of words only, but he speaks the very experience. Experience awakes experience in others. But the child never complained that there was something more to what he was told. He knew that a person who doesn’t know about food would not understand that bliss is God and same for other steps. A person having no food to eat cannot understand that bliss is God. That is why Food is important.
We have five types of Bodies..(Continued in the next post)
Teacher: Food is God.
So, the child went back and grew enough food. He understood the value of food and the effects of food on the body and mind. But then he thought, “food is not everything”. So, he again went to his teacher to ask the same.
Child: What is God? What is the supreme power that rules everything?
Teacher: The prana (Life force) is God. The breath is God.
The child went back and spent his time in understanding about prana - How life force is entering and leaving our body. He had understood it, climbed that step, and so he came to know that that was not all. So, he went to his teacher again with that authentic willingness to know.
Child: I have understood about Prana but I am not yet satisfied. Please tell me, what is Divine? What is God?
Teacher: The mind is God.
Then he spent his time studying and observing the mind, and found – ‘some good thoughts come in the mind, some bad thoughts come in the mind. There is mind sometimes and there is no mind at some other times’. After spending a good amount of time, he felt that there was something more, and mind is not all. So, he again went to the teacher, and asked the same question.
Teacher: Knowledge is God.
Then he contemplated about knowledge, but he was not really satisfied. Knowledge is of course very much needed to move ahead. But he still felt there was something more, there was no juice there. So, he went to his teacher for the last time and very humbly asked the same question.
Teacher: Bliss is Divine.
Then this boy went back, experienced bliss and all his questions disappeared by this time. He said that love and bliss is really nature of God.
Step by step, the teacher guided him on the path. That is why it is so important to take knowledge in the presence of a saint. It is more beneficial to listen from a Guru/Master because He doesn’t speak on the level of words only, but he speaks the very experience. Experience awakes experience in others. But the child never complained that there was something more to what he was told. He knew that a person who doesn’t know about food would not understand that bliss is God and same for other steps. A person having no food to eat cannot understand that bliss is God. That is why Food is important.
We have five types of Bodies..(Continued in the next post)
13 January, 2011
Guruji's Knowledge Sheet: Intellect
Sri Sri: It is the intellect which harbors inhibitions, likes and dislikes, approvals and disapprovals and it is again the intellect which harbors wisdom, which brings forth the intuition.
Q: Is intuition beyond intellect?
Sri Sri: Yes, but it moves through intellect. It's the intellect that lodges wisdom.
Q: Are emotion and intellect contradictory?
Sri Sri: They can be contradictory.
Q: When there is a conflict, which is better?
Sri Sri: There is no better conflict, in conflict. The pure intellect rises beyond conflicts. The pure intellect is not caught up in the emotional turbulence of the mind. Otherwise the intellect often gets coloured by the emotion and becomes impure like muddy water. Then it is unable to reflect the Self. Whereas pure intellect, still and serene, reflects the Self.
Q: Is intellect affected by Karma?
Sri Sri: Karma does not afflict the pure intellect. Liberation is purifying the intellect. The Sanskrit word for intellect is Buddhi and one who is liberated is Buddha.
* * *
When Guruji was 9, he went to his grand ma & came across the practice of untouchability. Swaminathan, a harijan servant was not allowed to eat inside. He questioned grand ma for which she said he is untouchable. Guruji promptly quoted gita “ISHVARO SARVABHUTANAM” & shared his food with him & visited his home.
|| Jai Guru Dev ||
SUTRA: "Do anything 100%, that will free you and would give you a sense of fulfillment." - Sri Sri...
Jai Gurudev!
Jai Gurudev!
12 January, 2011
Guruji's Knowledge Sheet: Feel Indebted!
Question: God is all abundant, all full and we are connected to God. Then why are we in debt, except for some? Why do they have, and we don't have?
Guruji: Is it only money? You have abundance, yet at the same time, you are indebted. So how can both be true? How can you be indebted and at the same time have abundance?
Somebody says: An abundance of indebtedness!
Guruji: When you say you are indebted, that means you have received. Otherwise how can you be indebted? So be thankful for being indebted, because you have received. Those who have received should feel indebted. If you don't feel indebted, you cannot have abundance. So the more indebted you feel, the more abundance you have.
Question: When the disciples met Jesus, they were not very successful, did not catch very many fish. When they met Jesus, he told them exactly where to fish and that's when they got lots of fish and then they decided to follow Jesus.
(Laughter)
Guruji: Feel indebted. Feel gratitude. Then abundance comes. As long as you are wanting for abundance you get indebted. Feel indebtedness and gratitude, then abundance comes.
Abundance and indebtedness coexist. You think you are indebted, but you really are not. It is better to feel totally indebted, because every bit of what you have, doesn't belong to you, including your body. Then you are infinitely indebted for your body, for Knowledge, for things you have received, and for your own life. Then you bask in the abundance of the Creator.
Someone says: I feel very indebted. Thank you!
* * *
Guru of Joy!
Guruji would bring little idols of devis at home & take them on boat ride in a tub in the house. There is another temple with 108 SHIVALAYAM. Just 5 years old; Guruji would go around each linga with his little tiny feet chanting “OM NAMAH SHIVAYAH to each one. Bhanudidi just 3 would follow him.
|| Jai Guru Dev ||
Guruji: Is it only money? You have abundance, yet at the same time, you are indebted. So how can both be true? How can you be indebted and at the same time have abundance?
Somebody says: An abundance of indebtedness!
Guruji: When you say you are indebted, that means you have received. Otherwise how can you be indebted? So be thankful for being indebted, because you have received. Those who have received should feel indebted. If you don't feel indebted, you cannot have abundance. So the more indebted you feel, the more abundance you have.
Question: When the disciples met Jesus, they were not very successful, did not catch very many fish. When they met Jesus, he told them exactly where to fish and that's when they got lots of fish and then they decided to follow Jesus.
(Laughter)
Guruji: Feel indebted. Feel gratitude. Then abundance comes. As long as you are wanting for abundance you get indebted. Feel indebtedness and gratitude, then abundance comes.
Abundance and indebtedness coexist. You think you are indebted, but you really are not. It is better to feel totally indebted, because every bit of what you have, doesn't belong to you, including your body. Then you are infinitely indebted for your body, for Knowledge, for things you have received, and for your own life. Then you bask in the abundance of the Creator.
Someone says: I feel very indebted. Thank you!
* * *
Guru of Joy!
Guruji would bring little idols of devis at home & take them on boat ride in a tub in the house. There is another temple with 108 SHIVALAYAM. Just 5 years old; Guruji would go around each linga with his little tiny feet chanting “OM NAMAH SHIVAYAH to each one. Bhanudidi just 3 would follow him.
|| Jai Guru Dev ||