Existence.In the gross form.

Human beings spend a large part of their lives 'reacting' to situations. They think their 'control' of life lies in reacting to the external. Little do they realize that the greatest form of control is the act of observance and that of selflessly doing one's duty. In such a state of existence, one only 'responds' instead of 'reacting'.

Existence then becomes a process of living with awareness, of action and of conserving one's energy in the pursuit of the ultimate truth.

Good and bad.

If everything that happens is a result of Karma, is there anything such as 'good' or 'bad'? Though from a philosophical angle, our intellect might rationalize that there really isn't such a thing since it was 'meant to be', thanks once again to Karma, then the very basis of such an assumption is flawed.

If Karma is the reason why things happen, then it implies our acceptance of a force that unifies actions. Also, its usually during situations that we deem 'bad' when we call upon the 'K' term to fall back on. Which implies there has to be an opposite event/action that qualifies as 'what do you want to call it?' - call it good?

It's all one.It doesn't matter.

This awareness is all you need to get over the biggest problems, ego-confrontations, mishaps, relationship issues, big-small divides, smallness of the mind, anything at all.

If it's all one, is it worth the divide? The spirit is one; only the bodies are different.

Friend, 'spiritual' is your middle name.

1.You don't have to 'be' spiritual. You 'are' spiritual. You only have to allow it to blossom by becoming 'aware'.

2. Spirituality is the greatest gift to overcome any sort of 'problem'. In fact, embracing spirituality makes you stop looking at situations as problems.

3. It makes you aware of the greater purpose of life - self-realization; the so-called 'big' problems become insignificant.

4. It brings direction to one's existence.

5. You develop a sense of balance.

6. You become aware of your mind, your deeds, your words, your actions.

7. The awareness becomes the beacon to your path.

8. Your path becomes your gateway to eternal peace and happiness.

Staying above it.

'Total' awareness takes care of the 'micro' awareness of any momentary situation. One sees beyond the illusion that is blinding the true vision.Awareness is all about becoming aware of one's actions in the context of the bigger picture - of one's journey to the self - the ultimate objective of human existence.

In such awareness,nothing will affect the one who has resolved to go beyond the sporadic calls of fleeting situations. One understands that it's futile to respond without introspecting on the greater impact such reactions could have on one's journey to the ultimate truth.

Work minus the stress

Stress arises when :
a) one does not do one's duty;
b) one is worried about the results;
c) one is concerned about the 'I' who one thinks is responsible for the results;
d) a,b & c.

The key to success in one's work is:
i) performing duty with perfection in execution - you are giving your best shot
ii) without attachment to the very act itself - 'I' am not the doer
iii) and without worrying about the results - i) and ii) will take care of it.

Everything else will follow.

'Om' in a 'coffee'-cup!

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Thiruvannamalai (the temple, Shri Ramanashramam) and Pondicherry (Shri Aurobindo Ashramam).I was having a cold coffee (sans sugar,of course!) at a beachside cafe in Pondicherry when I noticed a familiar shape that had taken its form on the interior part of the cup.Picture given below. Even the 'chandrakala' has not been missed out! Have a look :)