Life and Spirituality

I n recent times, an idea has asserted that it is only a few in the world that control most of its wealth and power. It is said that even in democratic countries the top 1% own most of the wealth and control how our world functions to the extent that Nature permits. In fact such control is by much less than the 1%. It is by few among the 1% with the rest of the 1% being their families, associates, aids, employees and principal puppets and slaves.   It has further been concluded by many thinkers that a just world requires that this domination and control of the 1% come to an end and that shall happen in part when capitalism ends and is replaced by communism or socialism. That might be even worse as past experience of mankind has shown because one important point is often missed in all this, and it is as follows, It is not the control by 1 percent that is bad for the world, it is how that control is acquired and perpetuated. If lies, unethical and criminal means, ...

O ur thought processes make a huge contribution to the quality of our lives. If  thoughts are disorganized and unproductive, so shall our life become. It has been observed that humans can spend a lot of time in thinking about their past or worrying about future, thus losing precious moments of their present lives. As a counter to this, a philosophy has emerged in recent times that suggests we should live in the moment because the past is gone and the future will take care of itself provided we utilize our present moments well. However, this last philosophy is a severe approximation of reality and of what is good for our lives. One does need to reflect on one’s past to resolve emotional dilemmas arising from it or they remain a burden on our souls. We learn much from it. One also has to plan for future. What is therefore required is not to try and ignore the past or future but to structure thoughts about them in the most beneficial and productive way so that we are freed t...

As I changed the pillow covers on my bed today, the thought struck that I may as well share a useful tip with readers, something we all know but forget so often. I also I took a picture of my bed as shown above for this brief post. All of us know the importance of cleanliness and this begins with our selves and then proceeds to our surroundings. Cleanliness is the beginning of a good quality of life, it is also the beginning of yoga next to basic morality of truth and non-violence ( see here ) A Dust Mite One item of cleanliness is to change our bathing towels and bed linen regularly. However, due to the rush of life, many of us forget to do that every now and then. That cannot be the best thing for one’s sleep, dreams and health. While one may wait a few days more to change bed sheets, do not forget to change pillow covers more often. They are a small light item of bed linen therefore one can easily afford extra sets that can be washed more frequently. That is...

S ome earlier posts have mentioned that while times of peace and happiness in life are times to enjoy and appreciate life, hard times are for learning; that is when a soul may evolve most if the message is handled properly. It is lesson time at school and the students who pay attention to the teacher, in this case, Father Universe go on to excel in life. However, that is not the only way to evolve. Knowledge and wisdom may also be attained in  quiet communion with nature. That is how many saints have begun going on to deeper practices involving seclusion, renunciation and meditation. It can also be found through compassionate service to poor, children and other vulnerable life. Dear friends do spend some time alone in natural surroundings and experience the results for your self.  It is the most joyous way available for humans to evolve. If you are an urban person and have some space for a garden then one can develop natural green spots there too for a daily expos...

By Thomas Gainsborough, c. 1748–1750 I t is natural that as one goes through life one shall do some good deeds as well as some wrong, even sinful ones. Often when we reflect on our past, we regret the wrongs we have done. However, the great spiritual works of all times assure all that even if the worst of sinners turn their course for good, they shall be speedily rescued from the mess and misery they may have created in their pasts. They must draw solace from the fact that they have realized their mistake because one can go through much of life even without realizing it. But some ask, all that is fine but I suffered loss because of my wrong deeds and errors; what about that? Dear reader, that is gone and lost in the mists of past, why worry about it. In any case, you would not have taken the gains to a new life and beyond. What shall go with you are your wisdom, knowledge and evolution and most of it comes when we suffer loss and go through hard times, at least for ord...

May the Lord bless this sweet child T here is an earlier post and a story about two kinds of persons in the world, the palms down and palms up people. Humans can be classified into two types based on numerous other criteria. One more is the heart-open and heart-closed persons. It is easy to pick up the hearts open persons as those who love little children - babies and infants. The moment they see them, their love begins to flow outwards towards them.   The reference here is not to one’s own children and not to all children because even among infants are unfortunate depressed ones that do not always inspire love. On the other hand, the heart-closed persons have their emotions turned inwards and generally ignore little children when they see them. Perchance they were to pick up a baby, the baby will start crying immediately for babies can sense love and put-on much better than grown ups who can who be conned easily with synthetic words and gestures. The heart-ope...

  “If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ― Meister Eckhart T here is a reason to be thankful Every moment we breathe Magic in a new day A night to rest and sleep Times of hardship with much to learn To make days that follow sweet