Ever wonder what it takes to find peace? The deeper I go down the rabbit hole, the more I realize that having peace of mind at all times is essential. Not to get too excited or depressed about any outcome...rather remain in equanimity. I used to spend so much time thinking about attaining Nirvakalpa Samadhi as described in our yoga textbooks during my studies at Sri Sri University, but now I simply want to abide in my beloved's heart. I want to abide in his mind, subtle body, and soul...to live within his paramatma, within the Shiva Tattva. This path can be filled with many obstacles and potholes. I find that the key here is that even without basic human instincts like food, sex, sleep, and fear, can we transcend our base human existence to achieve higher levels of consciousness or awareness and equanimity? In Yoga Vasishta, one of the sages tells Rama to simply realize the maya, the illusion which is pervading our obvious and gross reality, kind of like the Matrix. How do we transcend this worldly life? How do we learn to let go? How do we learn to accept situations as they are? How do we learn to be contented regardless of our circumstance? Even as someone is whispering in your ear, making you feel small, can we simply move with friendliness, compassion, and forgiveness.
My nephew today taught me an invaluable lesson. He told me that even when his sister starts insulting him and calling him names or hurting him, he doesn't respond. His Mom told him to fight back and learn to defend himself, but my nephew doesn't feel any need to give it back. He doesn't want to attack his antagonist. He simply offers silence and his innocence. I believe he silently offers friendliness, compassion, and forgiveness. Gurudev reminded me of this knowledge point when I was in Costa Rica with him. He told a small group of us the story of Buddha and the father. When the Buddha was alive over two thousand years ago, the children of this very successful business man became his devotees. The children would spend hours and days engrossed in meditation with The Buddha. One day, the father got very mad and came to the monastery and approached the Buddha. When the business man came in front of Buddha, the business man and father spat on Buddha with anger. Some of the devotees and discilpes looked on in anger and became agitated. Buddha simply maintained his small smile and offered no reply or response to the angry business man. The business man stormed off and Buddha asked the devotees and disciples why they were aggravated? We must not let anyone else take away our groundedness and center.
That night, the business man could not sleep. He was engulfed in anger and sorrow. The next day he approached The Buddha and weeped in tears. As he apologized to Buddha, Buddha simply asked him why are you apologizing to me? The business man said that he was apologizing for coming yesterday and spitting on Buddha. Buddha in response, simply said, that person is no longer here. Gurudev says, everything is changing.
Are we here? Are we grounded and centered? I wonder how often are we offering Maitri (friendliness), Karuna (compassion and kindness), and Shama (forgiveness). His Holiness, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, lovingly called Gurudev or Guruji, recently shared these points during his commentary on Ch. 12 of the Bhagavad Gita.
With honor and respect, faith and grace.
Love and Jai Guru Dev.
An Aspiring Yogi
My nephew today taught me an invaluable lesson. He told me that even when his sister starts insulting him and calling him names or hurting him, he doesn't respond. His Mom told him to fight back and learn to defend himself, but my nephew doesn't feel any need to give it back. He doesn't want to attack his antagonist. He simply offers silence and his innocence. I believe he silently offers friendliness, compassion, and forgiveness. Gurudev reminded me of this knowledge point when I was in Costa Rica with him. He told a small group of us the story of Buddha and the father. When the Buddha was alive over two thousand years ago, the children of this very successful business man became his devotees. The children would spend hours and days engrossed in meditation with The Buddha. One day, the father got very mad and came to the monastery and approached the Buddha. When the business man came in front of Buddha, the business man and father spat on Buddha with anger. Some of the devotees and discilpes looked on in anger and became agitated. Buddha simply maintained his small smile and offered no reply or response to the angry business man. The business man stormed off and Buddha asked the devotees and disciples why they were aggravated? We must not let anyone else take away our groundedness and center.
That night, the business man could not sleep. He was engulfed in anger and sorrow. The next day he approached The Buddha and weeped in tears. As he apologized to Buddha, Buddha simply asked him why are you apologizing to me? The business man said that he was apologizing for coming yesterday and spitting on Buddha. Buddha in response, simply said, that person is no longer here. Gurudev says, everything is changing.
Are we here? Are we grounded and centered? I wonder how often are we offering Maitri (friendliness), Karuna (compassion and kindness), and Shama (forgiveness). His Holiness, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, lovingly called Gurudev or Guruji, recently shared these points during his commentary on Ch. 12 of the Bhagavad Gita.
With honor and respect, faith and grace.
Love and Jai Guru Dev.
An Aspiring Yogi
