Total Thoughts (March 22, 2009) - Peaceful Warrior

Hari Om Everyone,

 

i hope this email finds everyone well...

 

The Spirit is All Pervading.  So too then must be spirituality or Vedanta.  Yet we tend to think otherwise.  Movies, music, sports this is all just entertainment, right?  The latter is only true if we look out at life with a limited vision.  However, if we expand our vision we shall slowly understand and appreciate how Vedanta is everywhere.  And once we raise our vision to this beautiful height, we begin to learn from every object, every being and every situation.  With such inner growth comes greater and greater and greater joy...

 

Peaceful Warrior is a solid movie depicting the relationship between a Guru and disciple.  From frustration to transformation the journey of how a student invokes and applies the message of his teacher is unambiguously shared.  Please take the time to read these Total Thoughts and then watch Peaceful Warrior.  And remember this is not just a movie, you and i are the disciple!  The Guru will come to us when we are ready.  Enjoy!

 

Total Thoughts

 

Peaceful Warrior

• We tend to have a gross vision towards living (i.e. only that which i perceive through my sense organs is real) - to gain our interest, a Guru sometimes engages in remarkable feats (i.e. wearing two different boots, jumping onto the roof, etc.)
• A Guru cleans up the attachment we have to our body (i.e. sweeping up the broken pieces of of the body) - when this attachment is slowly reduced then He can begin to detach us from our mind and finally ego too
• When in the presence of a Guru, He is a comprehensive means to our spiritual evolution (i.e. sign at the beginning says 'Full Serve') - having received upadesa from our Guru our spiritual evolution is then based on our self effort (i.e. sign at the end says 'Self Serve') 
• We tend to think and act like we are the knowers of the Law of Karma (i.e. the coach and Dan state that if he works hard he shall qualify for the Olympics) - in reality there are countless variables far beyond our comprehension involved in the Law of Karma and we should appreciate this by thinking and acting less egotistically
• The difference between a secular coach and a spiritual coach is the former promotes the ego while the latter breaks the ego (i.e. is honest with us about how we really are and unfortunately we get mad when we are told our weaknesses when we should be appreciative) - the secular coach is focused on capability and so often discourages the student whereas the spiritual coach is focused on availability and so often encourages this
• The difference between knowledge and wisdom is that wisdom is actually practiced - we must strive to bring the knowledge a Guru offers us into our daily affairs (i.e. the greatest Guru Dakshina is to become the Guru)
• We all have an immense amount of secular possessions, knowledge and achievements - but are we happy (i.e. has to do with everything)
• When we are lusting after the objects, beings and situations of the world we forget the greater joys of the Spirit - the Guru comes as our conscience to remind us to turn within (i.e. when Socrates is standing behind the girl)
• We all claim to be living but this would imply that we know what Life is (i.e. some live their who lives without ever being awake) - do we know what Life is
• By learning to ask better questions our spiritual growth will follow suit (i.e. when Dan is asking about the girl) - A Guru is an expert in spiritual knowledge and so only spiritual inquiries should be made with Him
• Serving is the highest purpose and so the most fulfilling experience (i.e. at the gas station) - this seva is dependent on our attitude not contribution
• A Guru practices living (i.e. being disciplined and aware in eating, sleeping, speaking, etc.) - we tend to practice only select facets of living (i.e. being disciplined in sports)
• All the answers we truly need in life can only be found within - yet we fear looking within and do everything to distract ourselves from this (i.e. sleeping with the television on, always having music on while driving, etc.)
• We should free ourselves from attachments and addictions (i.e. no meat, no alcohol, etc.) - these habits create dependencies which hinder progress on the journey of Self Awareness
• By living in the present we will be able to fully appreciate and understand Life (i.e. taking out the trash in the mind) - only then does living become a true joy (i.e. there is never nothing going on)
• The mind has 1000's of thoughts a day (i.e. just a reflex organ) - and none of these thoughts tell me about me
• The purpose of serving a Guru is to become humble enough to be able to tune into His message (i.e. cleaning the toilets, sweeping, pumping gas, etc.) - the ones who choose not to serve are still enmeshed in their egos and will never be able to understand the Guru's teachings
• Materialism has made us extremely results oriented and unfortunately this notion carries over to spirituality too (i.e. Dan being impatient with Socrates) - patience is a fundamental quality for spiritual growth
• Society has conditioned us to think we are invincible (i.e. wearing the helmet) and when reality strikes us we immediately drown ourselves in a negative attitude (i.e. Dan should be lucky he survived the accident) - hardships are blessings for only then do we tend to reflect over living and Life (i.e. when Joy is touching Dan's heart)
• Our ego simply wants to establish further and further that we are different - once we begin to make the ego impotent we begin to grow in all ways (i.e. breaking of trophies, letting go of the ego, etc.)
• A warrior excels when becoming absolutely vulnerable (i.e. the first realization is 'not knowing') - what this implies is we cannot truly learn unless we are alert / aware
• If we live according to results only we become blinded and defined by the goal (i.e. chasing after gold) - rather we should find happiness in the journey itself and not postpone happiness (i.e. the hike up the mountain)
• When we do not get what we want we suffer and when we get what we want we still suffer - why do we make this choice
• The people hardest to love are the ones who need it the most (i.e. giving up clothing) - a sadhu is one who treats the unpleasant person as pleasant
• No one is ever better or worse (i.e. drinking and smoking in the bar) - we have to be extremely wary not to be caught up in self righteousness
• We need to be conscious of our choices (i.e. developing habits) - and more importantly be responsible for our actions (i.e. being hungover)
• Whenever we are in fear we have to use the sword of knowledge (i.e. cutting up the mind into ribbons and throwing it away) - true knowledge is knowing we are not the mind
• The only place and time is here and now (i.e. competing at the end)

Inspire-Love-Peace,

 

Acharya Vivek

www.chinmayaniagara.org

Total Thoughts (March 15, 2009) - The Goal of Social Systems

Total Thoughts (March 15, 2009):

 

The Goal of Social Systems

• All of the ashramas (stages of living) and varnas (positions in society) are designed to encourage us to become more and more sattvic (selfless) - our ultimate aim is to transcend even sattva and rediscover the Divine Self
• We should pay attention to how we react in situations - this will help us determine whether we were truly pure in our motive and whether we adhered to our morals / ethics
• Our Scriptures are the perfect means to bringing more peace into our lives - this essence of our Scriptures was applicable, is applicable and always will be applicable
• The source of our Scriptures is Infinity and so no message is casual - all man made creations are subject to limitations and have the potential to be casual
• A growing trend in our society is for writers/teachers to take messages from our Scriptures and package them attractively (i.e. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, The Secret, etc.) - we should be alert that such messages have just been repackaged in a less potent fashion and to appreciate the greater meaning we have to turn to our Scriptures and reflect over the messages being shared 
• We have to apply what we discuss and learn to our personal affairs - this will allow us to understand and share our knowledge more thoroughly
• Everyone is trying to understand God whether we believe this or not - and everyone is walking in the right direction only that some are walking forwards (believers) and some backwards (atheists)
• The truest judge of our successes and failures is ourselves - as such we have to discover the balance between regret and forgiveness otherwise we will prevent ourselves from growing  

Be sure to join us this Sunday for our Movie Night and Discussion on The Peaceful Warrior.  The place and time will be the same.  For more information refer to the email sent from CHYK Toronto last week.

 

Moreover, Swami Shantananda will be speaking in Toronto from March 23rd to March 28th (www.chinmayatoronto.org).  And on the 27th the members of our Mississauga and Downtown discussions will be offering Swamiji Bhiksha at Chinmaya Sivalaya.  Please await the email from CHYK Toronto for more information. 

 

Now for those who want to pursue the Spiritual Path even more sincerely, the Chinmaya Mission conducts a variety of Vedanta Programs (i.e. Residential Courses, Three Month Courses, Six Week Courses, Dharma Sevak Courses, Online Courses, etc.).  Attached is a letter from Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda outlining some of these Vedanta Courses.  Enroll in one today.  i assure you that your investment of time and energy will be returned multiplied by infinity.  In fact i have written about such an experience i had at Sandeepany.  This is attached for you to reflect over.

 

See you all on Sunday.
 
" Discharge of swadharma (duties allotted to you) is only a sadhana, means to an end, namely gaining Atmajnana.  It is not and end in itself. " --- Lord Rama
 
Inspire-Love-Peace

Total Thoughts (March 8, 2009) - What is my Duty

 

What is my Duty

• The purpose of the ashramas or stages of living (brahmacharya or student life, grhastha or married life, vana prastha or retirement life, and sannyasa or renunciate life) is to develop our center of attention away from ourselves - if we adhere to this timeless social system with each stage we would become more selfless
• The purpose of the varnas or castes (brahmana or thinking class, kshatriya or leading class, vaishya or merchant class, and shudra or labour class) is to understand what mental temperament we have and to serve accordingly - all the castes are equally important (i.e. our society needs medical doctors as much as mail deliverers)
• Focusing on knowing ourselves is crucial - through this understanding of ourselves we become more sensitive to the 'bigger picture' allowing us to better fulfill the mission of life, selfless service
• Identifying what makes one 'successful' helps us to understand ourselves and others - we then become more open minded and accepting
• We should not get lost in societal pressures - rather we should take the time to reflect on what we should be doing and then act on it
• The psychological texture of an individual is fluid, is changing - if we are aware of these transitions we can better harness and direct our capacities
• The process of reflection is indescribably important - through proper reflection we begin to gain clarity in our thoughts and answers come by easily then
• We have to make the most of what we do - by developing a passion for what we do we do not succumb to postponing happiness
• There is only Life - there is no body who lives a Life
• By understanding there is only One our egos are immediately nullified - when this original limitation is transcended the ashramas, varnas and all other means of guidance become non applicable

Foundation for our upcoming discussion:  The Goal of Social Systems
 
" To give the maximum happiness to the maximum number for the maximum time is our religion. " --- Swami Chinmayananda
 
Inspire-Love-Peace

Total Thoughts (February 22) - Acting for Happiness and Happiness Alone

Total Thoughts (February 22, 2009):

Acting for Happiness and Happiness Alone

• By continuing our practice of being aware of our thoughts and happiness we will be able to grow and progress in our discovery of the Self - on this journey we will one day learn that the only source of happiness is our own Self
• Rather than focusing on expectations of others (which are not relevant), we should turn our attention to our own state of mind (which is most relevant)
• We should not waste our time and energy being unhappy - instead we should focus on what makes us happy and remind ourselves of this every time we recognize we are on the path to unhappiness
  
• We should always question why we do things that make us unhappy
• In every difficult situation we should understand that we can either change our mind (internal) or change our environment (external) - the inner is within our grasp and the outer is not so our only real solution is to change our minds
• We should reflect on action vs. inaction - gaining a greater understanding of why we choose to act or not act will give us a greater understanding of ourselves
• We should consider what it means to be 'complete' - is this achievable 
  
• We should evaluate whether our desires are needs or wants - we need very very little to live peacefully (i.e. Maslow's Theory) yet we are striving for so much (i.e. "Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not one man's greed." --- Mahatma Gandhi)
• Based on the philosophy of materialism we should strive to fulfill our desires and based on the philosophy of peace we should strive to reduce our desires - the former focuses on the effects and the latter on the cause so which will be more effective to curing the disease of desire
• Our discussions help us reduce the diseases of the mind - our discussions also help to make the mind and ego tangible so we can eventually transcend both
  

Foundation for our upcoming discussion:  How our Moods (Gunas) Affect Us

Attached is a poster for a Spiritual Retreat for young adults (how cool is that!) taking place in Chicago this summer.  These Camps are a potent medium to learn about life, cultivate inspiration, make friends and have a blast.  Please seriously consider joining me for this and please send this poster to all of your family and friends who would benefit and appreciate such an experience.

  

See you all on Sunday.

  

' He who is supremely devoted to God, and to his Guru as to his God, to such a mahatma, all that is imparted becomes effulgent. ' --- from Svetasvatara Upanishad

  

Inspire-Love-Peace

Total Thoughts (February 8, 2009) - Is the motive more important than the means?

Is the Motive More Important than the Means?

• There tends to be a positive approach to all critical situations - taking the time to go through the mental exercise of reflection allows allows us to realize this option
• We should study our choices more carefully -  by challenging ourselves we may come to understand that the end result may not be as important as the means
• Education is an agent of change - we should strive to learn more and more about ourselves for only then will we learn how we have to and can change
• Gauging what is good and bad is difficult even in respects to the law -  we should question what was the intended purpose of what is deemed right and wrong in our society and think about why
• We need to understand what motivates us - society can be guided through education (spirituality) or governance (politics) and we should reflect on which is more effective for the individual and total 
• We should forever seek inspiration - this is the only way to survive the journey of discovering the Self
• If we are self inspired we are unstoppable for what or who could take this away - sadly we have always been taught to depend on outside sources for inspiration

This Sunday we will not meet as this is the Family Day Weekend.  We will meet again on Sunday, February 22nd.  And the following day Monday, February 23rd make it a point to participate in our Mahashivaratri Puja at Chinmaya Sivalaya (Toronto) or Chinmaya Dhara (Niagara Falls).  Mahashivaratri is the most sattvik of all Hindu festivals and so the most important within the Chinmaya Mission and should be to all seekers.  Please go to www.chinmayatoronto.org and www.chinmayaniagara.org for more details. 
 

And for those who missed the DVD Presentation we watched on Sunday please click on the below link and watch the same.  Remember, you can now Register, so do so and spread the word while you are at it!

 

16th Chinmaya Mahasamadhi Family Camp 2009

 

'To live rightly is itself an art: to give love to others and thus, to enrich life around you, by your own right living, is the subtlest of all known arts in the world.' --- Swami Chinmayananda

 

Inspire-Love-Peace

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

This message and any attachments contain information, which may be confidential or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, please refrain from any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this information. Please be aware that such actions are prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, kindly notify us by e-mail to helpdesk@bbdo.com. We appreciate your cooperation.

Total Thoughts (January 25, 2009) - Practicing Moderation

Practicing Moderation
How Motives Affect our Actions

• Trying to figure out another's motive is fruitless - we should just practice acting the way we should be acting
• When we focus on our own motives rather than another's, negative thoughts are reduced - with less negative thoughts we have more peace of mind
  
• We should be conscious of every choice we make, even if the choice seems small - every thought and every action has an lasting affect
• Appreciating the importance of our choices allows us to make better choices
  
• Reflecting on what our motives are is important - only with such reflection will we realize the source of our actions
• Moderation is only practiced with a weakness - we should moderate harmful thoughts and actions to overcome weakness for the long term 
• A spiritual foundation is stronger than a foundation based on principles - the spiritual person acknowledges a Higher Power which a principle person tends not to
• Desire, actions and thoughts are only different in expression (i.e. causal, subtle and gross) - each generates each other (i.e. hrdaya granthi or the knots of the heart)

Foundation for our upcoming discussion:  The Role of Alcohol in our Culture and Is the Motive More Important than the Means

Please note that we will not meet on Sunday February 15th as this is the Family Day Weekend.

See you all on Sunday.

'Sufism means that God makes you die to yourself and makes you live in Him.' --- Qushayri

Inspire-Love-Peace

Total Thoughts (January 18, 2009) - How do we know if an action is right or wrong?

How do we know if an action is right or wrong?

How does an action affect our mind?

• We should practice being selfish for the right reasons and understand the journey we take towards being selfless - learning to be aware of this will allow us to realize the path from selfishness to Selfishness (or selflessness)
• If we can change our perception we can change our reactions - the only way to change our perception is through understanding who we are (jiva), what the world is (jagat) and the nature of God (Ishwara)
• Perception need not be involuntary - we can practice taking a 'step back' to evaluate a situation from a different perspective to have more control over our reactions to objects, beings and situations
• In order to improve ourselves we have to embrace change - a change in perception brings about a complete change to one's life
• We should practice living with a long term vision - when we move away from instant gratification our choices become active rather than reactive causing negative consequences to fade away
• A good action is one that causes that least amount of mental disturbance to oneself - this can be achieved by aligning one's ethics and morals
• We have to be happy to share happiness - thus an Enlightened Personality is the only real giver of happiness

Foundation for our upcoming discussion:  How motives affect our actions

 

'Revolutionary Road' was an intense movie.  All of us left the theatre with much to talk about.  One of the main messages we reflected over was, 'Whether we do what we do because we want to or because society slowly and stealthily conditions us to?'  Think about it...please.

 

See you on Sunday.

 

'Though he lives in the conditionings, he, the contemplative one, remains ever unconcerned with anything or he may move about like the wind, perfectly unattached.' --- Adi Shankaracharya from Atma Bodha

 

Inspire-Love-Peace