ANGER AND UPLIFTERS

1) Anger happens when my desire is not fulfilled
Solution: Believe that everything that happens happens according to the Will of God.

2) Anger can be righteous.
Gandhiji’s anger when he saw Indians ill treated in their own country was righteous.
This anger gives rise to rightful action.

3) Anger begets anger.
A throws anger at B. B throws it at C

4) Gandhiji said:
“If you are in the right, you don’t need to lose your temper, if you are in the wrong you cant afford to lose it.”

5) Meditate
6) Allow time to pass.
7) Drink a glass of cold water.
8) Sit in Silence. Write an angry letter and tear it.
9) Forgive




UPLIFTERS


1) This Too shall pass
2) Life is a dream
3) Let go and Let God
4) Things could be worse and you would be as helpless.
5) Do your best and leave the rest.
6) It is God’s Will.
7) Music
8) Exercise
9) Drink water
10) Life is constant learning

I heard a katha (discourse) of Shri Morari Bapu beamed live on TV.
He spoke of doubt: ‘Sandeh’
Sandeh literally means doubt.
All search starts with a doubt expressed, but that doubt must come from a sincere wish to learn, not to argue for the sake of proving oneself to be knowledgeable and superior.
A lot of Hindu Scriptures are a dialogue between disciple and Master.
Can you think of one such Scripture?
You are right! The Bhagvad Geeta.
Anyway, to come back to Shri Morari Bapu and his discourse.

He said:
Sandeh naheen to Vichaar naheen
Vichaar naheen to Vivek naheen
Vivek naheen to Satya naheen
Satya naheen to Parmeshwar naheen.

Which I would translate thus:
Doubt leads to thoughts
Thoughts lead to the power to discriminate (between right and wrong)
The power (to be able) to discriminate leads to Truth. Truth leads to God.

An excerpt from a book in Spanish entitled ‘ History of the transparent King’ by Rosa Montero.

COMPASSION

Translation by me...Sorry if I have not done it 100% right...but I know I have got the essence right!

I wanted to gift you the ‘best word’

Which one is it?

Compassion! It has the capacity to enter the ‘other’ and feel what the other is feeling.

I like what you say, but why do you say it is the best?

Because it is the only word that does not ‘hurt’ does not ‘torture’ does not ‘confine’ and does not ‘kill’…There are many other beautiful words like love, liberty, honour, justice…but all can be mutilated, can be used like a weapon to produce victims!

For love for God, they burn crosses, and for jealousy in love, do the lovers kill their ‘loved’ ones.

The noblemen ill treat and abuse in a barbaric manner those who serve them, for what they believe to be honour!

The liberty of one, could mean prison and death for others.

And as for justice, all believe that they impart it, even the most atrocious tyrants.

Only ‘Compassion’ is devoid of the above faults, in fact it makes you do the opposite, it makes you come close to others, to feel them and to understand them.

Compassion is the nucleus of the best that we can be. Remember the ‘word’ (Compassion)...

.

WAIT FOR THE DAWN

GAM KI ANDHERI RAAT MEIN

Gam ki andheri raat mein

Dil ko na bekarar kar

Subah zaroor aayegi

Subah ka intezaar kar

Which means: Do not despair as you go ‘through’ the dark unhappy night.

Morning will surely break in! Wait for it!

If you refuse to look at the brighter side, and hope for a better tomorrow, you will get sucked into the whirlpool of depression.

I once said at a lecture: Create your own joy as readily as you create your own sorrow.

I believe that statement changed, at least, one person’s life.

How do I know that? Because she told me.

You will say: “ I do not create my sorrow”

Most ‘sorrows’ are created because we ‘do things’ not for ourselves, but to be praised by others.

That is like the ‘pot of gold’ at the end of the rainbow.

There will always be a person with a ‘richer husband, a more beautiful wife, a more expensive car, a more luxurious home…

I am not saying that you must not be ambitious…I am saying that strive for more, for yourself… not to keep up with the Jonesses.

Your possessions will then, not possess you. They will be there for your comfort…and all that comes, and all who come close to you, will feel blessed…and so will you.

forgiveness Someone was saying to me the other day that it is reasonably easy to forgive, but it is very difficult to forget! Interestingly he spoke about 'deep wounds inflicted...' I believe that emotional wounds like physical wounds have to be initially tended to. e.g.:- A fracture hurts miserably. One has to go to the doctor and have the physical part put into plaster. After that, there is very little one can do except allow nature to take its own course. TIME HEALS. Similarly, after one decides to forgive. One does not forget immediately. Allow time to elapse. Do not dwell too much on all that transpired. And time will do its trick. One fine morning you will wake up realizing that you have not only forgiven but forgotten. Remember that to forget is beneficial to you also. A forwarded email message that I received has adhered to my mind. It stated that ‘not forgiving’ was like carrying a sack of potatoes, wherever one went. The potatoes rot and stink, but one goes on with the horrible task. How terrible! But we all do it! Why? Because one holds on to emotions of self pity and resentment. Also one gets identified with the unhappy feelings of emotional wounds inflicted in the past. And that is not all, one keeps the process alive by compulsive thinking. The irony is, that if one lets go of these negative feelings, one lets go of grief. If grief leaves, a torrent of Life energy floods, and there, emotional, spiritual and physical disease cannot enter. Easier said than done. Arjuna told Krishna just that. That it was not easy to follow the Spiritual Truths (that Krishna taught) which lead to Enlightenment and Freedom. Krishna answered that what is difficult, can be attained with practice and perseverance. Sometimes one needs to forgive oneself. Some circumstances, from the past make one feel unworthy and not deserving of forgiveness. BREAK THAT MIND PATTERN! I read somewhere sometime back that one needs to forgive others, oneself and Life for all that one has endured. Only then will true freedom be achieved. ‘Not forgiving’ is self inflicted suffering. How much longer does one need to bear it? Say YES to whatever ‘IS’ now and let go of the past! I got another email message which taught, that when someone hurts you: “write it down in the sand, where the winds of forgiveness get in charge of erasing it away, and when something great happens, engrave it in the stone of the memory of the heart, where no wind can erase it" If one believes people who behaved in a certain way and hurt us in the process, had a choice over their actions; also believe that one has the choice not to be unhappy over it. If one can create ones misery, one must believe that one can also create ones joy. OK I can hear you saying that “I can forgive, but I cannot forget.” I believe that hurt is like a physical wound. You can medicate it, keep it clean, and covered. Nature and Time will cure it. If you scratch the wound, it will get re-infected and will take longer to heal.

Gems of Faiths

A while ago, I was invited to speak at a Rotary meeting (Rotary Club of Bombay Pier). We, at the Times of India Bldg, have been having various discussions, as to how best Peace can be propagated to the people in this riot torn planet. As we discussed the various Faiths…2 things happened. A lot of misconceptions cleared, and a lot of Gems were discovered. I decided, this is a good a time as any to give my speech. My young Muslim friend joined me. I was happy to discover that it was well received. I thought that I would share a few of the points with you:

Religion is a step inwards. Religion should mean more about 'belonging' to Humanity rather than belonging to this sect or another. I believe that one has to commit to become more peaceful oneself first. The next step is to create a practicing society of living in peace.

ALL RELIGIONS SPEAK OF LOVE, FAITH, BROTHERHOOD IN ITS PURE FORM

CASTE SYSTEMS STARTED OUT AS VARIOUS PROFESSIONS.
A teacher could become a soldier and a businessman could become a teacher or a menial worker, if circumstances willed it, or if he so desired.
Please read about Shabri at this page.

IDOL WORSHIP IS A FORM TO FOCUS ON. Just like a flag stands for the nation and a father's photograph represents the father.
ONE HAS TO GO BEYOND THE FORM, WHEN ONE PRAYS…
ALSO GOD BEING OMNI-PRESENT RESIDES IN THE FORM TOO.

Believe in too many Gods? HINDUS DIVINISE EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE. YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR OBSTACLES TO BE REMOVED? PRAY TO LORD GANPATI

Looking for Wealth? Pray to Goddess Laxmi.

The essence of our culture is ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’. Satyam, the truth, which is Shivam or universally benevolent is presented in Sundaram or a beautiful manner. The attractive presentation ensures attention and appreciation from everyone. So whether it be Shankarji or Shri Krishna, both embody the highest truth, Satyam, are universally beneficial, Shivam, and are extremely attractive, Sundaram!

Our temples, and the ritual of Deity-worship are symbolic, and one should try to understand
the hidden symbolism behind the Gods and Goddesses and then worship them
in order to imbibe their attributes and make our lives divine and meaningful.

- Pujya Bhaishri

CHRISTIANITY stands for LOVE SERVICE AND BROTHERHOOD. CHRIST DIED for the TRUTH. HE BELIEVED THAT GOD DID NOT REQUIRE AN INTERMEDIARY BUT COULD BE APPROACHED THROUGH LOVE AND SERVICE.

GURU NANAK GOT RID OF SUPERSTITIONS AND SO DID BUDDHA

JIHAAD
Hindu Scriptures, The Bible and the Quran speak of God, prophets, Liberation, Heaven and Hell. Early Quranic verses speak of the word 'Jihaad' as an internal struggle to get over the darkness within oneself and allow the light to flow.

These are the early revelations that speak of this.

The root of the word 'Jihad' is JAHAD from which the word I JTEHAD also springs. I JTEHAD also means 'struggle' to make a legal decision in the point of law. When the Muslim community was settling in Medina, they were attacked. Innocent people were killed, but the Muslim did not fight back. Later when this continued, they stood up in self-defense and the word 'Jihad' is then used in the Koran as this war was for survival against persecution and NOT expansionism.

The word 'Jihad' does not mean HOLY WAR against infidels. I have heard scholars state that Islam does not propagate bloodshed in any form. Then why do people commit violence? I think that it is because they do not understand the real pure meaning that was intended by God who communicated through the Great Prophet.

TALAQ
There is no such thing as a triple talaq mentioned in the Koran. This was a pre-islamic custom which crept back into Islam Jurisprudence after the Prophet passed ON.

For further clarification on what I have just stated, you may read 'The Empowerment of Women in Islam' by Dr. Zeenat Shaukat Ali She is a Rotarian of Bombay Mid-Town and an Islamic scholar. She lectures at St Xaviers College.

I have been told, by my friend, Ms Raahat Jaafrey, that it is stated in the Holy books of Islam, that on the Day of Qayaamat (Judgement) Jesus, who is called Isa-alaish-Salaam will come on the roof of the Kaaba, and there, He will meet the Future Prophet.

One of the Gems that Raahat shared with me, that belongs to the Quran, goes something like this: Half the road (one travels in Spirituality), is covered, by prayers, good deeds, fasting, but the entrance to Heaven is opened, when one performs charity.

I WOULD LIKE TO STATE THAT PRAYERS, GOOD DEEDS, CHARITY AND DISCIPLINE IN THE FORM OF FASTING IS COMMON TO ALL FAITHS.

CHRISTIANS OFFER MASS AND TAKE FLOWERS ON DEATH ANNIVERSARIES, HINDUS PERFORM SHRAADH

CUSTOMS MAY DIFFER BUT THE CREEDS UNDERLYING THE MOTIVE IS THE SAME.

SAME JOYS AND SORROWS THE WORLD IS ONE FAMILY. VASUDEVA KUTUMBAKAM

I BELIEVE THAT: FOLLOWERS INTERPRET THE SAME TRUTH IN DIFFERENT WAYS AND COME OUT WITH DIFFERENT CONCLUSIONS.

DIFFERENCES ARE DUE TO CULTURAL AND GEOGRAPHIC ENVIRONMENT FROM WHERE THEY SPROUTED.

The Upanishads claim that the Atman (God within us) cannot be reached through much learning or much use of the intellect. Jesus Christ proclaims: "Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven." The Katha Upanishad proclaims "The path is narrow as the edge of a razor." Jesus said : "Narrow Is the way which leads unto life." Hindus believe that we are a small part (atman ) of the whole (Paramatma). In other words we are the same children of God and enjoy the same inherent qualities. Christians also believe that man is made in the likeness of God, and the Kingdom of God is within each one of us. Jesus Christ claimed; "I and my Father are one".

We Hindus believe In a Trinity: Brahma Vishnu Mahesh (Creator) (Preserver) (Destroyer)
Christians believe in Father, Son and Holy Spirit
The occultists believe in Light, Love and Power
and
Humanity at large believes in Mind, Body and Soul.

Interfaith Dialogue

I attended an Interactive session in 'Interfaith Religious Dialogue' which included eminent scholars from different parts of the world. The purpose of their visit was to meet leading people of different faiths. Their tour included a visit to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Points discussed and worth thinking about:
1) Conflict is part of human nature. Communication is important. In dialogues
of this kind a lot of misconceptions are cleared and a lot of gems discovered.
2) We cannot 'leave our religion at home', but we should learn to appreciate
the gems of the Other's Faiths.
3) As per the Quran, we all are brothers and sisters.
4) Hindus say 'VasudevaKutumbakam. (The world is one family)

5) Guru Nanak says 'Ek Onkar' and "Sabna jian ka ek data..."

God, the Giver is the father of all...
6) The previous generations have messed up the planet. It is the citizens of
the future, that needs to be educated, in the fact that all religions impart
the same message.

The problem: Who will educate the teachers, and make sure that they also have 'compassion?'
7) The media needs to report facts not sensationalize them. For that, concerned citizens need to speak up.
8) Success rate of such meetings, is that a candle lights another candle.
9) Hindus chant the Gayatri Mantra. The Mantra is similar to a verse in the Quran.

I have been reading 'Angels and Demons' by Dan Brown.
I agree with the author when he states that:

'Very little in any organized faith is truly original. Religions are not born
from scratch. They grow from one another. Modern religion is a collage, an assimilated historical record of man's quest to understand the Divine.'

Humanity is born from one set of parents. We are a family and we live in one home. It is in our interest try and put our differences aside and preserve this beautiful planet of ours.

I believe that even if one is an artist, and ‘feels’ that he ‘owns’ the right of expression, he must not offend religious sentiments.

Freedom of expression carries a responsibility, and one must exercise that freedom, in such a way that it is respectful.

It pains my heart to note the amount of unrest that ‘the cartoons’ and ‘derogatory paintings of Hindu Goddesses and Bharat Mata’ have brought about in a planet which is already groaning with violence inflicted in the name of religion.

A TALK

At one of the ladies get-togethers, I was asked to give them a talk.

But they requested that, it is not on religion.

I guess I know why.

A lot of people believe that the biggest obstacle to peace is religion.

It is the cause of so much unrest!

I believe that the core teaching of all major religions is peace, love for fellow human beings and God.

It is people, who do not understand the underlying message, that have created the rift between people who have given the same one God, different names.

I was listening to a taped discourse of Shri Morari Bapu who states that we could live in a perfect world if we were to imbibe the following salient qualities from the various religious Giants:

The wisdom of Shri Krishna.

The service and love of Christ.

The brotherhood of Islam.

The compassion of Buddha

The non-violence quality of Mahavira…

If one looks close enough, each religion embraces all the above qualities.

I spoke on religion, not as religion, but as a way of life.

And I know that it was very appreciated!

Look up my website: Dalsabzi for the Aatman, www.dalsabzi.com

And if you liked what I have written read 'Interfaith Dialogue' under 'Articles'